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The Dreamstalker
#1
Izshandriel exercised in the training grounds of House Sunfire’s estate. She wore nothing but a black cropped tank top, and matching shorts. One hand held her body up as she did strenuous push-ups, switching arms when necessary. She was getting negligent of herself. She wasn’t anything like she used to be. That would not be allowed.

Reigen’s estate was her only sanctuary, and despite the prejudice of the guard, she was tolerated… and that was all she could ask for. She was needed, cared for, and treated as a person; it was a far more generous notion than she had ever received. Never would she have thought to end up serving a Sin’dorei noble, but in the end she found nothing wrong with it. It was through House Sunfire and her expeditions that she realized how pointless war was. Everyone could get along given the chance. Izshandriel proved this. She also proved how most people will never change.
The more she pushed herself, the more memories came back. She grew into the routine, her breaths deeper and longer. This is what she was… and she could not go back. The world wouldn’t let her.


**

In the heart of Ashenvale forest, a canopy of branches hovering above, a Kaldorei child played with a saber cub. Her skin was a light shade of blue and her hair was a rich teal tied into a braided pony-tail. She wrestled with the cub, laughing as they rolled about. Observing from his home, only a bit distant from the girl, Jerolan stared forward stroking his long teal beard. He was dressed in furs, though most of his muscular chest was exposed.

"Look at her." began Jerolan, "She's growing up so fast." He said. The girl tackled the cub roughly, pinning it to the ground. Jerolan's eyes widened at the sudden motion, and then laughed as the cub returned the gesture. "She gets that from you." Jerolan said, turning to a woman behind him.

"Oh? How's that?" she replied. This was Tylandra, a pale skinned blue-haired Kaldorei. Her hair ran free to her mid-thigh, swinging back and forth as she approached from behind Jerolan. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her chin on his shoulder.

"You were always the ferocious one." Jerolan sighed, inhaling the smell of his mate.

"…says the one who turns into a beast at will." Tylandra said.

"You shot me."

Tylandra moved a hand over his abdomen, caressing a small scar. "An honest mistake."

Jerolan laughed. "A mistake I do not regret happening." He turned to kiss her on the cheek, and then faced the girl again. "Two beautiful daughters, and an even more beautiful mate. I'd say my life is complete."

Tylandra hugged Jerolan tightly, "Not perfect until we see her grow up. One has already."

Jerolan nodded. "She will. I see a bright future for her."

Tylandra released him, "Well in her future, I see a warm meal. Dinner is ready." She backed away and left back into the home. Jerolan followed her with his eyes, seeing her leave the porch and enter the house.

Jerolan looked back into the forest. He stared at the girl, "Izshandriel! Time to eat!"

Izshandriel turned and stood up from the ground, dirty as ever. She petted the cub and beckoned it to follow as she ran to her father.

Childhood was but a bitter memory now. She would never see that happiness again. Izshandriel changed her exercise. She moved onto pull-ups, utilizing a thick tree branch and two roped rings she would grip. She kept her legs horizontal, and resumed her exercise.


**

Izshandriel watched carefully as her mother flawlessly sewed a robe together. She was supposed to be watching, learning, observing all that she could. Tylandra was meticulous, precise, even when she sacrificed to look back to make sure her energetic daughter was actually paying attention. The robe was finished in a few moments. Tylandra held up the blue and purple robe to her daughter.

"And that is how you do it. Did you follow it? Or must I make another example?" Tylandra said, gesturing to a pile of identical robes behind her.

"I think I understand." Izshandriel responded, tapping her chin.

Tylandra handed her a few sheets of clothes. "Then do what I told you."

Izshandriel took a needle and the cloth and begun her work the best she could. It all seemed well and fair until she poked her own finger. She yelped, pulling her finger back and grasping it tightly. Blood trickled from the small prick on her fingertip. She stared in awe, a newfound discovery had emerged.

"What is this?" Izshandriel said, her voice soft.

Tylandra raised an eyebrow, "It's blood, Izshandriel. Don't tell me you've never bled before with all the roughhousing you've done." Her daughter shook her head in denial, “Well, it is within you, Izshandriel. It flows through you every day, nonstop. It is what keeps you alive."

"It's pretty." Izshandriel whispered.

"Well, red is your favorite color, silly." Tylandra rubbed her daughter's head.

"If I run out of blood what happens?"

"The same thing that happens to all living creatures. You die." The mother stated. Izshandriel yanked her finger back, nearly hugging it in fear. "Don't you worry, Izshandriel. That little bit is harmless to you."

"Mother, you have blood too?" Izshandriel asked.

"Of course I do, so does your father, Aliandril, and even Meras." Tylandra said. Izshandriel shuddered at the thought of the last name… her saber, dying or even getting hurt.

"So blood is a good thing?" Izshandriel asked.

"Yes, my daughter, a very good thing. Blood is everything."
[Image: 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
Reply
#2
“Faster, Izshandriel!” Izzy said to herself. She ran through the forests outside the estate, leaping over rocks, and small brooks. “Harder, damn it!” She scolded herself. She moved her legs as much as she could, but nothing would satisfy her. With a loud growl she stopped and punched a tree beside her. “THIS ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH!” She turned and sat down, a palm to her forehead as she sighed. “This… isn’t good enough.” She looked at the ground and then to her bare dirtied feet.

**

It was the time of the Lunar Festival. Izshandriel was growing more and more into a woman, but her energetic nature had yet to cease. Her parents, Jerolan and Tylandra had been watching her from afar as they ate. Their daughter was playing with the other younglings. It was a sport of some kind involving a ball. It was surprisingly physical, which was all the more reason for Izshandriel to participate.

"You've created a monster." Jerolan said.

Tylandra laughed, "Me? It's not an adventure I took alone."

"Of course." Jerolan cringed as Izshandriel tackled a Tauren nearly twice her size. "She'll never be a priestess."

"You might be right. Aliandril was the same way though." Tylandra replied.

"Perhaps she would be better suited to join—" Jerolan was cut off by another female voice from behind him.

"The Sentinels?" There stood a fully armored Kaldorei huntress. Her form was sculpted and built for finesse. What startled him the most was her authoritative voice which had a deep pitch.

"Y-Yes." Jerolan replied. He and his wife both turned to face the huntress.

The Sentinel bowed, "Captain Saedra Evermoon. We've been watching your daughter for some time now."

"Saedra?" Tylandra stood up to her full height, towering slightly over the captain.

The huntress' eyes widened to seeing Tylandra in full form and immediately she bowed again, this time in reverence. "Captain Tylandra!"

Izshandriel's mother rested hand on Saedra's shoulder and lifted her chin up. "You know I no longer carry that title. My, my… I remember when you were still training. Now look at you."

Saedra bowed her head quickly, "Thank you, Tylandra. Though… I always wondered why retired."

"I thought I'd leave my duties for my daughters, and take up something more peaceful such as tailoring."

"Daughters? I didn't know you had any aside from Izshandriel."

Tylandra brushed her hair behind an ear, "Aliandril is also my daughter." Saedra was puzzled at the name. "Perhaps you know her better as 'Nightshade'."

Saedra's escorts recognized the name, and their expressions showed that, "The Watcher? She is still alive?"

"But of course, she resides within the Temple now."

"Why not resume her duties as a huntress?"

Tylandra shrugged, "It was her choice."

Saedra raised an eyebrow, "Not everyone leaves the Watchers the same... to resume something so different."

Jerolan nodded, "She has handled it well. She’s a Dreamstalker after all."

Tylandra agreed, "You have been watching Izshandriel, have you?"

Saedra, "Um… yes. We have a new opportunity that your daughter would be well suited for."

"New opportunity?" Tylandra questioned.

"We’ve not set the plans in stone but our goal is to have the best soldiers the world has ever known. But it requires more training than you or I have ever faced before."

Tylandra watched Izshandriel play again before looking at Saedra, "If Izshandriel accepts, then I will not refuse. I trust you to take care of my daughter."

"But of course! She will make you proud, I promise you."Saedra smiled.

Tylandra smiled, "Then, so long as Jerolan does not question it, you are free to take Izshandriel for her training when the time is right."

Jerolan gave an expression of agreement. "Be careful with Izshandriel."

"I will make sure she is not harmed." Saedra bowed.

"It’s not her I’m worried about." He gestured back to Izshandriel who had just tackled a fellow Kaldorei into the ground.

"Ah... we’ll be sure to channel that energy." Saedra nodded and turned to leave.
[Image: 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
Reply
#3
Izshandriel was indoors again. She ignored the elaborate and often frivolous décor of Reigen's estate, and continued her training. Next to her bed she had a training dummy that she repeatedly punched and kicked. The wood would sometimes leave splinters in her hand but she was so dull to pain, it didn't bother her. With each passing blow, they grew harder and more fueled with anger. Images of demons and other night elves took place of the dummy before her eyes. The wood was strong, reflecting her blows with a loud thud heard from outside. Finally, Saedra's face appeared on the dummy. Izshandriel stopped immediately. The image faded. She sighed, tightening her fists before her eyes caught sight of an empty vial on her nightstand.


**

Izshandriel stood in her fighting stance, staring down an equally sized night elf who was far less injured than she was. The two exchanged blows but Izshandriel couldn't keep up. Her opponent had more endurance. As Izshandriel's ruthless approach unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, her rival would fit in a counter whenever she could.

This was Lyra, a promising Sentinel, and an elf who sought nothing more than to surpass Izshandriel in every training session possible. Lyra's foe was formidable, but predictable. And with only a few chances to take, Lyra grappled Izshandriel and threw her forcibly into the ground.

“What's wrong, little Izzy? Can't keep up?” Lyra said, walking away with a laugh. Izshandriel took a moment to come to and then stood up with a groan.

“Izshandriel.” said one of her superiors. It was Saedra. “Are you alright?”

“Never better.” Izshandriel retorted, rubbing her shoulder.

“Lyra's a tough one... she has something out for you though. Do you two get along?”

“We don't speak. We're not friends.” Izshandriel answered.

“Oh... well then...” Saedra looked to one of her fellow officers who beckoned her over. “Get some rest, there's a big day tomorrow.” Izshandriel nodded and followed the others. Saedra walked over to the officer who whispered in her ear.

“There has been an update.” the elf gestured to one of the tents at the training grounds.
Saedra walked with the elf, coming upon a gathering of officers.

One of the elves, a superior officer just by her scarred physique and elaborate armor, looked to Saedra. “Ah, Captain Skybreath. Nice of you to join us. We can begin.”

Saedra bowed her head, “Huntress Starripper.”

The huntress turned around and reached into a satchel, “As you all have been debriefed, our hold on Ashenvale is barely holding its own. These demons are making it increasingly difficult for us, and we've come too far to back away now, unless you want to forfeit your home.” The surrounding officers looked stern, some crossed their arms. “There is a reason we started this... experiment. We need stronger soldiers, but we are not sure everyone can handle what we have planned. That is why we took these elves, who so gratiously volunteered to risk their lives defending their home. They should be honored, and will be honored whether or not this succeeds.” Starripper turned around and held a small vial in her hands, tossing it up and down. “I have permission from the General to fortify our borders, and this is the initiative I took. In this vial, are supplements that will aid our volunteers in their training. It has not been tested... but I am certain this will succeed.”

“What's in it?” asked one of the officers.

“A recipe in the works." Starripped answered. "Until it is finalized, we can not release information about a potentially damaging substance. More importantly, the information will continue to remain secret. Though I trust your loyalty, I can not risk demons getting their hands on it. Am I clear?” The officers nodded. “Good. Now, given you are all assigned one volunteer, you will make sure they take a vial per day. Aside from that, you are each responsible for your trainee, am I understood?” The officers agreed. “Come, the supplement starts today.” The elven officers gathered around to take the vials. Saedra stood, staring blankly at each vial passed out. Starripper continued, “They are not to miss a day of this supplement.” As the officers cleared out, Saedra was left alone. Starripper stared at her, “Captain.”

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Saedra came back to her senses and approached Starripper.

The huntress held onto the vial, causing Saedra to look back at her, “I see much promise in you, Saedra. Do not let me down. A lot is riding on this to work.”

“Y-yes, Huntress Starripper.”Saedra nodded, taking the vial and walking outside. Her paranoia was beginning to rise. Something felt wrong about this, but there was nothing to base suspicion on. She continued walking to find the very elf she was assigned: Izshandriel. She was found outside of camp, practicing her combat training alone, perfecting her stances and movements. “Izshandriel.”

Izzy stopped and looked back, “Captain, what can I do for you?”

Saedra looked down at the vial and held it out to Izshandriel, “Huntress Starripper wants all the trainees to begin taking this. I... can't imagine it tastes very good.”

“What is in it?” Izshandriel asked.

“I don't know... I suppose it is to improve your abilities.”

“I'm supposed to live on this?”

Saedra shook her head, “Oh no, it's not replacing meals. Just an addition... once a day.” Izshandriel stared at the vial and popped the cork. She tilted her head back and downed the drink in one gulp. She licked her teeth before making an odd face.

“It's two steps short of horrid.”

Saedra chuckled, “It wasn't made for taste.” She nodded and bowed to Izshandriel, “Don't stay up too late. We have much to do tomorrow.” She said, walking back.

“I will.” Izshandriel said, watching Saedra walk away. “Captain...” Saedra turned around and looked at Izshandriel. “Thank you for watching over me.”

Saedra smiled and nodded before continuing walking.
[Image: 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
Reply
#4
Izshandriel fought head to head with her subordinate, Elria. Many elves in the estate, including guards came to watch, circling around the stands to observe the spar. They were using real weapons here. It was how she was trained, and she would continue to train her pupils the same. The clash of swords ringed throughout the estate as the two night elves managed to get nicks and cuts from each other’s weapon.

Elria was becoming everything Izshandriel hoped for. Keeping up with her in battle was achievement enough, but it wasn’t until the dexterous Elria exploited Izshandriel’s movements that she was truly impressed. Within moments, Izshandriel found herself on the ground and at the mercy of a blade to her throat. The surrounding crowd gasped. Elria exchanged stares with Izshandriel for a moment before helping her to her feet.


**

Izshandriel tried sleeping that night, but shivers and cold sweats were the least of her problems. She woke in the middle of the night, rushing out to vomit, but she expelled nothing. She was left shaken and disturbed when she returned to bed. Sleep didn’t treat her well that day. When she finally did begin to dream the training camp was disrupted by a few cries and screams early in the morning. Izshandriel groaned, sitting up quickly and walking out of the tent. A crowd of elves were surrounding another tent. There was too much chatter to figure out what was going on. Suddenly one of the trainees was raised in the air by several officers and lifted above the crowd. The body was limp, and lifeless.

Saedra was in the crowd and caught sight of Izzy before rushing to her.

“What happened? Was that—” Izzy asked.

“That was Ashala. They say she began convulsing in the night and eventually…”

“She’s dead.” Izshandriel stated.

Saedra nodded, “Huntress Starripper thinks her body had some sort of… reaction to the supplement I gave you.” Saedra looked at Izzy, concerned, “Did the supplement bother you?”

Izshandriel looked at Saedra before her eyes shifted away, “I… I’m fine.”

“Good… I’d hate for something to happen to you.” Saedra rested a hand on Izshandriel’s shoulder. “I doubt Huntress Starripper will let this put a damper on training today. You should get ready.”

Saedra left Izzy and returned to the officers. She was right. Training did continue that day. An hour later, after breakfast Izshandriel was lined up with the other trainees, staring forward at attention. One of the officers paced back and forth, looking at each of the elves before her. She was a captain by the look of it, her armor was akin to Saedra’s.

“I am Captain Moonfall, and I will be leading today’s exercise.” She said. Her navy hair rested on her shoulder in a long braid. “Last night, while you were all peacefully asleep, many of us road throughout the forest with these.” She held up an arrow with a yellow fletching. “We’ve fired these aimlessly about, and it is your job to find them. The goal of this exercise is to put your survival skills to the test, for you are not permitted to return to camp unless you have 3. We have fired just enough for you all to have the exact amount. Returning with any less will be repaid with extra training, and a missed meal. You will utilize the survival techniques you have studied these passed years to find food, and shelter. I trust you will all not return immediately, unless you have forfeited the training. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, Captain.” The trainees said in unison.

“Good. You will all be outfitted with basic armor, a sword, and a bow. I expect this equipment returned.” The captain looked at the trainees again, “You may begin, when ready.”

The trainees moved to the quartermaster, receiving their necessary gear to continue. As Izshandriel waited in line, a terrible migraine took her for a moment. She hissed at the pain, putting a hand to her head.

“Are you okay, Izshandriel?” an elf asked. Izshandriel knew her; it was Eilana, an elf Izshandriel respectfully believed to be more suited to tending children. Her patriotism, and love for her family placed her in this situation, but Izshandriel believed that wasn’t enough. She was still a frail and skittish person on the inside.

Izshandriel answered, “I’m fine, it’s just… these—”

“The pain.” Eilana said. She reached into a pouch at her side and handed Izzy a few berry-shaped items. “I found time to make them during off hours; they should help with the pain. They’ve helped me.” She said with a smile.

Izshandriel took them immediately. It was delightfully fruity, though Izshandriel couldn’t quite figure out the ingredients. “Thank you, Eilana, truly. I think the supplement they gave us is fighting my body. It almost feels…”

“Unnatural.” Eilana nodded, “I know.”

“What do you suppose is in it?” Izzy asked.

“I don’t know, honestly. I thi—”

“Next.” Said the quartermaster. Izshandriel was next to be outfitted. She took the gear and walked away to equip it.

“Good luck, Eilana.” Izshandriel smiled. Whatever she took began to work. Her head felt much better.

“You too, Izshandriel.” Eilana nodded.

Izshandriel ran off into the forest. She was already behind the others. The less flags around, the longer she would be out scouting for them. Hours passed before she found anything. The first arrow was anchored into a tree, at least two dozen feet in the air. The bark was rough enough to climb, she thought. She made her efforts, sliding and falling several times before she made any real progress. After a time, she removed her armor and weapons and attempted again.

It was easier this time around though she still slipped and fell. She stared up at the tree, slamming a hand to the ground. Her mind went back to her childhood. She was a professional tree climber when she was a kid. She recalled her technique and implemented it. Sure enough she was able to get the arrow, though she fell once she did. Bruised and tired, she sat at the trunk of the of the tree. She huddled her things close by and began to rest. It wasn't long before she fell asleep.

Hours passed by without her noticing. She had caught up on her deprived sleep, but felt like she only shut her eyes for a moment. She was startled by the sounds of armored footsteps. Demons were nearby on the road on the other side of the tree. She kept quiet, peaking around to see a small patrol of satyrs. They were scouts, no doubt, but could easily take down Izzy given their numbers.

She watched as they continued to move and talk amongst themselves. Izshandriel moved to the other side of the tree and make her escape. There stood an satyr with a grin on his face. He said something, most likely a taunt of some sort. She was half-naked scurrying backward toward the tree before she was pinned.

The demon brought a sword upward, ready to land the killing blow. He grunted, stumbling forward as something behind distracted him. He turned to look at what it was, revealing to Izzy that an arrow sunk into his shoulder. She first wondered about its origin, but came to her senses and scrambled to pick up her sword and hack the satyr’s neck. He stood shocked, weakly reaching for the sunken blade before he fell backwards and tumbled down the short hill.

Izzy backed away against the tree, hands brought to her mouth as she gasped. She looked at the now motionless demon... her first kill. With a few heavy breaths she shut her eyes and tried to focus. Then, she remembered. The mysterious arrow that saved her life. She looked around and saw nothing, anywhere. The arrow was elven make for certain. Izshandriel heard more voices nearby. The demons that passed had returned. They were calling for their fallen brother, Izzy guessed.

Izshandriel panicked, quickly equipping what gear she removed earlier. She wasted no time. There was a felhound about them and surely Izshandriel’s scent would be found if it wasn’t already. They called out again, now just behind the tree Izshandriel was hiding behind. She heard the felhound growl. Its snout came around the corner, its tendrils seeking something to touch. Izzy took an arrow from her quiver, spun around the corner and jabbed the felhound in the snout.

As the creature yelped she pushed from the tree and ran down the hill, grabbing the sword from the satyr she slayed and continue down into the thick forest of Ashenvale to make her escape. She would not stop running, not until her heart felt like it would give out.
[Image: 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
Reply
#5
Behind Reigen’s home and out of sight, Izshandriel worked tirelessly over an alchemy table. She had bowls of milled plants, tiny cauldrons and beakers. She learned this trade in her travels, in exchange for her protective services. This was delicate work, which is why she made her concoctions when most people were asleep and unlikely to disturb her. She tipped a wooden bowl and poured its juices into a beaker, slowly measuring the contents. Her hand moved, shaking and struggling to keep a focused hold. She was going to drop it, she thought. Her body was beginning to sweat, though she was shivering for some reason. Finally she dropped the contents of the vial into the cauldron… along with the vial itself.

“Shit!” She hissed, reaching into the boiling cauldron and pulling the vial out as she burned her finger. Izshandriel sighed, looking at the still steaming vial on the table. Her vision lost focus for a moment before she shook her head and resumed her work.



**

Izshandriel found shelter that night, under a burrow of tree roots that could have easily made home for a bear. However, there was nothing of concern there, only a few small rodents that took kindly to Izshandriel’s caring hand. She found time in the night to gather berries and foliage to eat, and also to share with her woodland friends to thank them for the unarranged stay in their home. She did get some sleep at one point; the animals took to her body for her warmth and huddled around her.

In the morning she woke up startled, the creatures scattered to the other side of the burrow as Izzy hunched over, supporting herself with a single arm. The creatures looked concerned but were unable to help. The night elf rushed outside, crawling from the hole only to vomit a few feet away. Whatever she ate was expelled. With a few dry heaves, Izshandriel fell onto her back; a fever and migraine were onset. This wasn’t from the berries, she thought. She had eaten them before.

She knew she couldn’t stay there. Despite her condition, she took her things and made her leave after thanking the little creatures. The journey was long, and arduous. She had no direction to go from… just a watchful eye to keep track of the fletched arrows she was to retrieve. Within a few hours she did find one, sticking out of a bush. She couldn’t believe it, but would not reject it. She quickly put the arrow at her waist with the other.
Still feeling ill, her spirits were lifted. She had one more arrow to find and she could go back.

But it seemed luck had run out. Evening came and there was still no sign of the arrows. The sun was beginning to set and Izshandriel was growing weary, hungry, and thirsty most of all. She knew of a waterfall nearby, walking casually in its direction. A large pulse of pain hit her head again causing her to scream and fall to her knees. As quickly as it came, it vanished. She looked around to see if she attracted any attention.

“What’s wrong with me?” She asked herself. With a quick shake of her head she left again for the waterfall.

She needed daylight and it was running out quickly. As the sun danced behind the trees she finally reached the waterfall. Quickly she fell to her knees and cupped her hands to drink the fresh cold water. She sighed and leaned back. She felt much better and proceeded to fill the small flask she was given. She put her hands behind her and stared at the waterfall. It was a tranquil sight... the sound drowned out her thoughts. She tilted her head back and looked up to the sky, then to the waterfall. With the final hours of sunlight upon her, something bright caught Izshandriel’s eye. She squinted her eyes and caught sight of something small embedded in the rock wall by the waterfall. Yellow fletching.

Izshandriel stood up in disbelief, staring at the arrow, “You’ve got to be joking!” She said aloud. She wasted no time. If she could get the arrow today, she could head back by morning. She dropped her weapons and stepped into the shallow pool created by the water. She was up to her waist in water before she made it to the wall. The water was cold, and forceful against her body. With a grunt she became the climb, her fingers threatening to slip with every slippery grip she could manage. The water pounded on her shoulders and head making it difficult to climb. It was extra weight she simply didn’t need. Her path was blocked with a lack of places to hold, so she shifted to the side and continued forward.

A rock slipped from her hand, falling back and plummeted down causing Izzy to look down. She dangled with one arm and gasped as she realized how high she was. She was nearly 10 times her height by now, and a fall from here would kill her. She regained control and took a moment to gather herself before pressing on. With a few more strong pulls, she reached the arrow which was lodged into the rock. It wasn’t coming out intact.

She snapped the arrow, put it in her mouth and made the slow but steady climb down. The descent was surely faster, which she was grateful for. Once she reached her belongings she took a sigh of relief knowing her challenge was done.

As night fell, she found a tree to rest against that hid her from most of the world. Sleep came easy that night. The climb exhausted her, and this increasing sickness wasn’t helping the situation. But as she drifted to sleep, morning came fast. She woke up to the sound of birds and the urge to vomit once again.

After she dealt with her own illness she began to leave back for camp. Before she could get far she heard a faint scream. Izshandriel gasped and looked into the direction of the cry.

It was then she realized who it was, “Eilana!”
[Image: 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
Reply
#6
Izshandriel loped through the forests of Eversong after hearing a faint scream. Her armor made her steps heavy, but firm. Her ears homed in on one noise, a single scream from a woman. One of the maidens of the estate was in trouble. With each long stride the voice became clearer. There was a scent of another. She was only a few dozen feet away now. She spotted a Wretched One nearing a small frail woman. With a loud roar, Izshandriel leaped into the scene, picked up the arcane-addicted mutant and pinned him against a tree by his neck. Only a moment ago he had a woman at his mercy, now it was the other way around. Izzy held him high into the air as he struggled against the night elf’s aggression.

“Are you alone?” Izshandriel asked in Thalassian.

The Wretched One looked confused that the night elf would speak his language, but then nodded.

Izshandriel slammed him against the tree again with a roar, drawing closer to his face, “Do not lie to me…” The Wretched One pointed to the left. Izshandriel growled and squeezed the neck of the wretched elf until it snapped. She looked to the maiden and gestures back toward the estate, “You should return.” The Sindorei woman gathered her things. Izshandriel walked where the Wretched One directed her, sword drawn.



**


“Eilana!” Izshandriel panicked.

She began running toward the scream. The forests of Ashenvale proved thick to navigate. With the bushes, tree roots, rocks, and slopes, a cross country journey was more of an obstacle course. Her heart was pounding. She could feel every step, her foot pressing into the ground and the fdemone rippling up her leg. Within a few moments, her running was near perfect. She did not waste a single motion, and her speed was faster than that when she ran from the demons before.

The rising sun was helping, keeping her warm and lighting her path. She leaped over stone, slid under roots and passed through some bushes without a second thought. She could hear another scream, someone else’s, but Eilana’s came soon after.

As Izzy came over a hill she spotted four satyr, inching their way closer to Eilana. One night elf was laying still on the ground. But Izzy hadn’t slowed down, and in fact pushed herself faster. She targeted the demon farthest behind the group and rushed him with a sword drawn. Momentum kept her moving, her footsteps more silent than before.

Just as Izzy came upon him, the satyr looked to her but it was too late. Izshandriel slashed his neck as she ran passed him. The satyr grunted, mumbling something to his comrades.

The other satyr turned to see their ally, holding his bleeding neck before falling to the ground. Even Eilana looked surprised at what occurred. She looked around as the demons fell into a defensive position, their backs to one another. There was a moment of tense silence before the sound of a rustling bush came behind them. They all turned around immediately and roared toward the sound.

Then, Izshandriel emerged from the forest behind them, airborne and silent. Izshandriel felt the wind brush gently along her skin as she held her sword forward. She pounced the demon, impaling her sword through his tough skin and into his heart. Izzy slammed him into the ground, took his sword, rolled off his body, and regained a crouched stance as she glared at the remaining demons.

The satyr roared at her. She returned with a hiss, baring her fangs. Her stare was unlike anything Eilana had ever seen. Before, Izzy seemed to be the normal Sentinel, but now she was a beast defending her own. Izshandriel rose up, facing her swords toward the demons and slamming them against her breastplate. The two demons rushed her. As they brought up their weapons, Izshandriel parried one axe with her sword, and avoided the other with a duck and roll. As she evaded, she slashed the hamstring of one of the satyr and regained her defensive stance. One sword was in front of her, a sword straight out beside it.

The rent demon limped hardly able to move now. He straggled behind the satyr that rushed Izzy again. The night elf anchored herself down as the Demon bashed against her body. It was nearly enough to knock Izshandriel over but instead she pushed forward and bashed the Demon with her elbow. The Demon lost his footing and staggered back. Izzy opened his defense, jumping toward the Demon and jabbed him in the neck with a quick shallow stab of her sword. It was a light attack, but enough to kill. The shocked satyr continued to fight, swinging wildly as he bled out from the neck. Izshandriel simply moved away from the attacks until he exhausted himself and fell to the ground.

Izshandriel looked to the wounded demon left standing. She cast away her extra sword, circling around him with an ever-fixed glare into his eyes. He was still bleeding, and unable to move much if at all. But he was still willing to fight. Izshandriel charged forward, clashing weapons with the demon. They exchanged blocks and parries. Her offense was scarce, finding room to nick and cut the demon several times, letting the small wounds pile up and take their toll altogether.

Sure enough her plan came to fruition. The satyr began to tire and lose focus. Izshandriel knocked him with her hilt and slashed the back of his other leg. He fell to his knees, and dropped his weapon. The night elf’s fierce glare softened with a sigh. Izzy began to walk back to Eilana, letting the demon bleed out on his own. In a last effort, the demon conjured a ball of felfire and cast it toward Izshandriel. Izzy turned around and hurled her blade into the demon’s skull. Izzy stood and watched the corpse fall over for a moment.

“Izshandriel.” Eilana broke the silence.

Izshandriel took another heavy breath. Her heart was still racing. She turned and looked at Eilana with an uneasy look. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yes... but...” Eilana looked to the fallen elf only paces away. “Kindrana.”

Izshandriel moved to the motionless elf and checked her vital signs, “She’s still breathing.” Izshandriel felt around the elf’s body and noticed her ribs, chest and collar bone were broken or fractured. “She needs to go back.”

“She doesn’t have any arrows. The captain said--”

“How many do you have?” Izshandriel asked.

“Two. We just met along the ro--”

Izshandriel took an arrow from her quiver and handed it to Eilana. “I found three... take one of mine, and take her back to camp.”

“But Izshandr--”

“Just go. She needs help, Eilana.” Izshandriel commanded. Eilana complied taking aid as Izshandriel helped place Kindrana on Eilana’s shoulder and watched her leave. “Stay away from the roads!”

Izshandriel waited until Eilana was out of sight before moving to the dead Demons. One by one she piled them, along with their weapons. She spent the next hour preparing to burn the corpses, and watch them turn to ash. It would be a warm night.
[Image: 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
Reply
#7
It was the beautiful and humid Stranglethorn Vale that Izshandriel found herself in. There were supplies to be gathered that would not be found anywhere else. She had already traded with some merchants, and gathered herbs on her own; stuffing what she could into the large bag she hauled around. Her paranoia left her to believe she was being followed, ever since she left Booty Bay, and she was right. When she was far enough from the settlements, far from witnesses and any sort of aid, Izshandriel found herself in peril.

Bounty hunters, as expected, surrounded the large elf. They were great in number, even much for Izshandriel to handle on her own. She counted over a dozen before they completely surrounded her.

They were Orcs, Humans, Trolls, Goblins, and a few Blood Elves. How they managed any sort of teamwork was beyond Izshandriel’s comprehension, but by their appearance, they were well armed and had clearly planned this. They knew who she was.

“Dreamstalker.” Said one of the humans. Izshandriel slowly lowered her gaze to match his. She said nothing. “Thought so. You know you killed some of us a year ago, brothers and sisters.” Izshandriel offered no response. “You’re a difficult elf to track… but we’ve brought the whole gang this time. And despite the glorious stories that linger on your reputation, even you see you’re outnumbered.” There was still no response. “We don’t need bloodshed, or violence. Come quietly and we won’t hurt you.” The elf stood still, “You listening to me, elf?! I sa-”

“Leave.” Izshandriel said flatly.

“Wha-” the human replied.

“I said leave.”

The human chuckled, the others looking at the elf with a smirk, “You’ve got a sense of humor, Dreamstalker.”

“Like you said. We don’t need bloodshed, or violence. Leave quietly, and we won’t hurt you.”

“What the f—we? What are you t—Don’t mock us!” The human growled.

“Your dead friends got in over their heads. Greed is an ugly thing. Usually gets people killed.”

One of the Orcs snarled, “She’s stalling. Take her in now.” The others began to move in.

“Last chance!” Izshandriel said, raising her voice.

“Or what?!” The human asked.

“Death.” Izshandriel answered.

“Take her now!” The Orc yelled. They all rushed in with weapons drawn.

Izshandriel shouted upwards toward the sky, “IZSHANI!”

A moment later, multiple voices, seeming endless due to an echo, shouted back a warcry from the forests, “EE-RAH!” The bounty hunters looked startled, grabbing their weapons and standing at the ready, unaware of what was going on.

“XAXAS!” Izshandriel yelled.

“EE-RAH!” The voices replied again.

Izshandriel raised a hand upward, and then dropped it, “ZIN-IZSHANI!”

A few moments later the panicked bounty hunters found themselves at the mercy of tree roots and vines wrapping around their arms, legs, and necks, holding them firm in place. A captured bounty hunter looked at his fellow comrades, then to the gargantuan elf who just stood still. Faint gunshots sounded in the distance. Bullets pierced through the hearts and skulls of many of the hunters. When the gunshots stopped, the sky above was littered with a volley of arrows which rained down upon the area. Izshandriel kneeled down, huddling her head close to her body allowing for her cargo to protect her from the arrows. As she stood, many of the hunters were dead or dying. The tree roots and vines retracted back to from they came leaving only a survivor or two.

Izshandriel stood up and brushed off her armor, looking at the arrow covered holey ground. She looked around at the bodies, most of them still or shaking in their final moments. She reached down and picked up the human that first addressed her. The elf held him in the air by his collar, though he was too injured to do much but look at her.

“I offered you a chance. And you denied it.” Izshandriel said. She brought him closer to her face; he could feel the vibrations of her deep voice, “For thousands of years I’ve been on the run, keeping away from the world that seeks my death out of selfishness and greed. I have stayed my hand in violence, reserving my wrath, and substituting it for mercy. I thought to turn my enemies away… return them to their right mind. And yet, many continue to provoke me.”

She dropped the man. “I am Izshandriel Dreamstalker. A woman’s whose reputation grows worse the longer she lives, because the world refuses to listen. Out of her natural desire to survive, comes murder… and so the cycle continues. Self-defense, I would say. But who will listen to a murderer? Why bother with diplomacy when you are already labeled a monster?”

Izshandriel looked to one of the survivors who was less injured than the rest. “Follow me, or die with your perception of dignity. Or can you not trust the word of a demon?”



**

Eilana was gone. It felt like an eternity of silence afterwards. Izshandriel spent hours trying to find the last arrow. She was beginning to feel ill again. Her migraine was pulsating. She broke into a fever, her teal hair matted to her sweating face. She staggered through the forest, losing her center of gravity. Her vision began to blur.

But the gods favored her that day. When night came, Izshandriel found herself in an open area surrounded by trees. In the center was an arrow, impaled straight into the ground. She almost chuckled from relief, and walked over to grab it. As soon as she did, a sense of uneasiness came upon her.

“Drop it.” Said a voice from behind. It was unmistakable.

“Lyra…” Izshandriel cursed.

“I said drop it.” Lyra demanded. Izshandriel turned to face her rival who was unsteadily aiming an arrow at Izshandriel. She looked just as bad as Izshandriel. Sickness was taking her. She was sweating, pale, and bleeding from the nose strangely enough. Izshandriel plucked the arrow from the ground and stepped back from Lyra.

“You wouldn’t dare kill your own over this.” Izshandriel said, her voice weak.

“Want to test that theory?” Lyra threatened.

“I found it, Lyra. Go get your own.” Izshandriel retorted.

Lyra hissed, “You think I’m kidding, little Izzy!? Give me the damned arrow before I put one in you!”

“No!”

Lyra dropped her bow and rushed Izshandriel, tackling her to the ground. Izshandriel rolled and tossed Lyra away. “Give it to me! I can’t stand being out here another day! I need… I need help.”

Izshandriel motioned for Lyra to relax.“We both do, but we don’t get any if you’re short an arrow. I’ll help you look for your third one so we can go back.”

“What? Spend another day out in the wilderness? I don’t think so, little Izzy. It’s so much easier just to take it from you!” With her words Lyra charged Izzy again, this time throwing a fist. Izshandriel put up her hands to block, but Lyra was a strong elf to compete against. Neither of them were in a condition to fight, but Lyra would continue to bombard Izshandriel with punch after punch. Izzy’s stamina is all that kept her standing, but the amount of blows she could sustain was only so many. Finally, she retaliated.

Izshandriel broke from her guard and jabbed Lyra in the jaw, then again in the stomach, a few to the chest, and another hook to her face. Lyra stumbled back to a tree, struggling to regain her stance.

“Lyra! Stop this!” Izshandriel shouted. Lyra growled and ran at Izzy again. Lyra pushed against her, moving Izzy back more and more. With one opportunity she tried to fight back, instead they both fell victim to a steep hill. The two tumbled down over rock and shrubbery before coming to a short cliff, still high enough to kill. Lyra couldn’t stop herself, sliding along the ground, trying to get a grip. She yelped as she fell over the edge. Izshandriel rolled over and caught Lyra’s arm.

“Izshandriel.” Lyra said, looking up at the straining Dreamstalker. “Why?” With her last bit of strength, Izshandriel roared pulling Lyra up to safety. Both of them were out of breath and lay on the ground.

“Just because… just because I don’t like you…” Izshandriel stated, “Doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
[Image: 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
Reply
#8
In an abandoned monastery, Izshandriel paced back and forth in front of her line of soldiers. Men and women of all races stood at attention. They were washed-up mercenaries, veteran warriors, outlaws, thieves, prostitutes, weaklings… all searching for something that Izshandriel was willing to provide. Some needed the money, others needed dignity, others desired strength, some were bored, some wanted vengeance but could not do so alone, and others could not live without the thrill of battle. They all fought in their own way, their own armor, weapons and even magic. Izshandriel provided them with what they needed. In exchange, they would listen to her.

“I do not repeat myself, so listen clearly.” Izshandriel said in her deep coarse voice. “You all know who I am. You know my reputation. I’ve been fighting for peace and my life for as long as I can remember. Some of you have family lines that don’t go back even a fraction of my life time. I can assure you, when I say, I know what I’m talking about.”

The elf stared her subordinates, “You are all here for your own reasons. Each is acceptable in their own right. Some of you seek battle, some of you seek training, others riches... and others a new life with dignity. The truth is, I care not why you are here, but that you are here. You will all be respected the same, and I expect you to respect each other. While you may be here for selfish reason you will be cooperating with your fellows here to attain results. Your goals will not be met if we function in a disorderly manner. We fight as one, we attain victory as one.”

Izshandriel turned on her heel. “The first rule of engagement is… never fight fair. This isn’t about honor. This is about victory by whatever means necessary. Honor on the battlefield will get you killed, and while it is important to respect your enemy if they seek blood, you will be the first to draw it.”

Izshandriel stopped and looked at everyone, “You are not here to meet my expectations. I will not set those for you. You must set them yourself. Be as strong as you intend to be. I will guide you down the right path but you must walk it, I cannot be a shepherd to you all. In this… sanctuary of ours… you will take the time to learn yourself, and what you are capable of. Adapt to what works for you… cast out what doesn’t. Take what is specifically your own, and through this you will become a formidable fighter like no other.”

“You are not all immortal.” Izshandriel said, pausing to reflect upon this thought, “But that doesn’t mean you cannot imprint yourselves on the pages of history forever.” She stood to her full height. “We are Izshani. We are the heroes of legend, and the stuff of nightmares. We do not bleed! We do not die! We do not accept failure! The enemy can only hurt us if we allow them to! And we will not allow it. To our glory!”

Izshandriel’s soldiers cheered in response. “Zin-Izshani!”



--

Another day passed. Izshandriel hobbled back to camp with Lyra over her shoulder. The elf struggled as she came back to camp, grabbing the attention of the others. All of the trainees and captains had rushed to see what the commotion was about. Just as Izshandriel felt safe, she could not take another step. She was in pain, exhausted, and weak. She turned her body to drop Lyra to the ground before falling forwards herself. 6 arrows spread out along the ground.

Izshandriel woke up in her own bed. Her migraine was gone, and so was her illness. With the slow opening of her eyes, she stared up at Saedra and Eilana.

Saedra smiled, “I knew you’d come to eventually.”

Izshandriel slowly sat up, feeling a bit sore, “What happened?”

“You tell me.” Saedra leaned back upright, “You arrived at camp with Lyra over your shoulder with a feather of energy left in you.”

“My head, it’s...” Izshandriel brought the back of her hand to her forehead.

“Better?” Eilana nodded.

Saedra crossed her arms, “I think our suspicions were right. That supplement they put you all on... you -have- to take it daily or else you’ll begin to feel effects.”

“No kidding?” Izshandriel said.

“Some herbs have been known to cause such effects... most of them are dangerous if not mixed properly.” Eilana added, “Whoever is making these is a master at their craft. I know my herbs and I can only think of a few herbs and substances that would do this. None of them are easy to come by, or dilute.”

“But why?” Izshandriel questioned, “All this for what purpose? I’ve felt no perks to this... just agony.”

“I don’t know about that, Izzy.” Saedra looked the elf over, “Something seems different about you. You’re more... grounded. Your body seems naturally more confident and strong. It’s subtle but... it’s progressing.”

“I don’t like it...” Eilana said.

Saedra looked to the tent opening, “Neither do I... and I think I’ll find out what’s in it... I want to know what they’re up to.”

Eilana seemed concerned, “Huntress Starripper wouldn’t jeopardize us, right? Right?”

Saedra grumbled, “She has been known to be... ambitious. But I believe she knows her limits.”

Izshandriel looked to her captain, “What do you plan to do?”

“Huntress Starripper won’t give up that recipe on her own accord...” Saedra stood up, “I’ll just have to find out on my own.” She rolled her shoulders, adjusting the quiver and bow on her back, “Until then, they will be waiting for more of you to show up from the forest. Those that returned have been scheduled for training.”

“But I’ve just arrived.” Izshandriel stated.

Saedra shook her head, “Doesn’t matter. You should get up now.” The captain nodded to her subordinates and left the tent. Saedra was right. Training was immediate.

The two elves joined the rest to undergo their training. The exercises were as practical as archery training, and running for endurance. And some exercises were far more extreme, dealing with lifting heavy weights and long durations of swimming. Sparring was always in session. Occasionally they took time for academics, learning about demons, the landscape, and survival tactics. Day by day, more recruits arrived with their three arrows from the forest. However, as more came, she noticed some did not return. For all the dangers that she faced, she knew many could have very well died. Soon the captains stopped anticipating the return of some elves and carried on with training.

One night, as everyone slept Saedra snuck about the camp. She first invaded the Huntress’ tent but it was vacant. There was no truth to be found anywhere. No journals with useful information... nothing. She sighed, frustrated that she had no lead to her curiosity. Voices were faint in the distance. Saedra crouched, sneaking out of the tent and into the woods to follow the trail of voices. There were several wagons being pulled by sabers. It was a supply run. Saedra kept a close eye on it. Starripper was there. Saedra followed by foot, keeping up with the brisk pace of the nightsabers who were not travelling for speed. She kept to the trees, trying to make as little noise as possible. After an hour had passed, the wagons had stopped... Saedra noted this was very close to the edges of Ashenvale.

She watched as several elves including Starripper left the wagons and walked toward a small house made from a large tree stump. Saedra’s eyes danced behind the bushes, trying to get a good view as Starripper knocked on the door. Someone answered it, she couldn’t tell who, they were too concealed in the shadows of the home. The voices were too faint and if Saedra were to get any closer she would be exposed. Several of Starripper’s elves moved behind the house taking small boxes and loading them into the wagons.

Saedra inched closer only to step on a large stick and snap it. The sound echoed, the others hearing it as well. The elves drew their bows; Starripper looked in Saedra’s direction, motioning for her shadowy acquaintance to return inside.

“Shit!” Saedra whispered and backed away and tried to flee as quietly as possible.

She had to return to camp before the shipment was delivered or be suspected by the Huntress. Saedra knew something was suspicious... yet she had no proof. As she hustled back to camp she fell, her legs caught by a root along the floor. She had sprained her ankle, and for certain the wagons would be drawing close soon. She dragged herself a few paces with her hands before she was suddenly picked up to her feet. Saedra looked up to see Izshandriel.

“Sneaking around without inviting me?” Izzy said. She lifted Saedra onto her back and ran back toward the camp.

“When you said you’d find out on your own, I didn’t think you’d be so rash. Sneaking into the wilderness at night? Alone? You might be a captain but even I think that’s a stupid idea.”

Saedra snorted, “Just get me back to camp.”

“Yes ma’am.” Izshandriel agreed. “But what do we tell them about your foot? You didn’t fall your bed in the night.”

“I...” Saedra paused. She had to make an excuse.

“Tell them I hit you.” Izzy said.

“What?” Saedra questioned.

“We were sparring.”

“A recruit beating a captain? Unlikely!”

Izshandriel snorted, “I’m willing to test that.”

“Izzy...” Saedra called.

Izshandriel smirked, “Look, no one leaves camp at night unless you are with the Huntress, and you weren’t. I’m trying to help you.”

“They won’t believe it.”

Izshandriel was now near camp and gained distance from the wagon. “They will... I’ll fight another captain if I have to.”

The two elves returned to camp in the night. Izzy returned Saedra to her tent and she return to her own. With the Huntress and the other captains returning, all was quiet... for now.
[Image: 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
Reply
#9
Izshandriel stood in the forest, the moonlight reflecting off her blade. She frowned, staring at the floor. A bounty hunter stood before her. He smelled of sweat, metal… poverty… and desperation. She stared at her weapon… unable to release it… unable to do what she wished and ask for pardon… to ask for peace. This was what she was. Inch by inch, step by step, the Kaldorei man drew closer. Anxiety was thick in the air like the night mist.

The hunter stared forward at Izshandriel’s eyes, watching them flash green at him. He shuddered… a fire of fear… a flicker in his eyes. The childhood stories he was told were true. Izshandriel was a demon... she was a monster. She was a betrayer. His eyes stared forward in disbelief, anger, and fear.

Izshandriel knew this look. It was a victim to be. This was too familiar… she had seen it so many times… the hesitation that seemed to last a lifetime gave Izshandriel enough time to count the goose bumps on his skin like she always did.

A grin curled upon her lips involuntarily. Deep down… there was a nature she could not relinquish. That defiant smirk was not her own.

He ran for her, his steps quickening like his heartbeat was. His blade danced around, ready to strike. Izshandriel stood still, stanceless, calm… her heart as slow as it could beat. She heard the sound of flesh ripping… she hated that it gave her pleasure. The hunter fell to his knees, holding his bloody neck, ignoring his slashed chest. Izshandriel could hear the screams he wanted to make as his warm blood seeped through her gauntlets. He looked to her in fear… in shock… in sorrow.

Izshandriel’s masked face could only stare back, cold as ice… blank.

She looked down, pulling his blade from her abdomen and tossed it to the ground. “I’m sorry.” Her face sincere.

She turned around and walked away, leaving him a feast for the beasts of the night. Once again, she grinned.


--

Morning came quicker than expected, but Izzy could tell that news of Saedra's injury already spread about. Izshandriel swung her feet off the side of the bed and looked to her nightstand, reluctantly taking the regimen vial and drinking it. After suiting up her leather gear, she moved out of her tent, brushing the flaps aside before being greeted by several of the trainees.

“Is it true, Izzy?” said an elf.

“Did you beat Saedra?” said another. Already Izshandriel was being overwhelmed as more questions were thrown her way.

Meanwhile, Saedra was surrounded by her comrades. They were all wary eyed, some with crossed arms. Her questions were a bit different.

“Really now, Evermoon?” asked an elf, “You expect us to believe a trainee beat you?”

“Not to mention your subordinate!” added another.

“What attacked you? Where? Was it another demon?”

Hunttress Starripper entered the tent, the sea of underlings spreading as she walked, “You know... during last night's supply run, we heard a noise in the forest.” The Huntress lowered herself, closer to Saedra's face, “But you wouldn't know about that, would you?” She smiled.

There was nothing calm about that smile. Saedra swallowed her nervousness and kept the sternest face she could bare. “I told you.” Saedra said, “Tylandra's daughter beat me.”

Starripper stared down at Saedra and then righted herself up. “I believe you.” She said, not giving it much thought. “If she can beat you, she can beat anyone here, yes?” Saedra gasped. Starripper looked around, “Any volunteers?” Saedra looked at the crowd of captains.

“I'll do it.” said an elf in the bunch. She made her approach to the front. It was Morina Stonecloud, Lyra's Captain.

“Ah yes...” Starripper smirked. “Morina. Perfect.” Starripper motioned to the crowd, “Wake Dreamstalker. Let us see if she can hold the family reputation.”

And so Izshandriel and Morina were brought to the center of camp where the women circled around formed an arena. Izzy asked for this. There was no going back. She stared at Morina, an older and well-trained warrior who had seen far more battles than Izzy had. Both of them stood in equal armor, and wooden weapons of their choice.

“Now, something a little off schedule.” Starripper began. “A friendly spar between Captain Stonecloud, and Izshandriel Dreamstalker.” She looked at Izzy, “You made quick work of Captain Evermoon. Let's see it again.” She leaned back in her chair, “Fight.”

The fight began with nothing but a stare-down. Izshandriel wielded two wooden swords while Morina used a staff. They paced around each other but Izzy was the first to make the move. She charged forward to attack, only to find herself parried and blocked. She staggered back. Morina's movements were fast, focused, and disciplined. Izshandriel wasn't trained enough as she was... but if she could 'beat' Saedra, another captain should have been no problem. Once again Izzy made her attempts. Each was rewarded with failure and often a swift blow to the body. Her body and face were bruised, her lip bleeding. Morina only suffered a few blows herself but nothing in comparison to her victim.

Izshandriel became angry, blinded by the rage of her inability to fight back and her bodily pain. Once again she charged forward with a roar. Again, and again she attacked. Again and again she was defeated. Finally Morina thrust her staff into Izzy's chest, winding her and sending her away to the ground. Izshandriel remained motionless.

“This?” Starripper began. She looked to Saedra, “This is what beat you? Perhaps your promotion came too soon, yes?” Saedra looked away from Starripper and bit her lip staring down at Izshandriel's body. The elves chattered among themselves at the failure, though some were surprised to see the fight last as long as it did. “Someone get her back to her cot.” Izshandriel stirred. It was unnoticeable until she gripped her wooden weapons again, pulling them back toward her before slowly rising to her feet. Her knees buckled as she propped herself up with her weapons. She stepped back to regain her balance, before righting herself, staring at Morina.

“Brave, Dreamstalker...” Morina said, “...or just stupid.” The captain resumed her stance.

Izshandriel charged again. Her demeanor had changed. Whatever rage she had was now being channelled. Just before she reached Morina, she hurled her wooden sword at her and resumed to slash at her. Morina deflected the flying blade only to have Izzy whack her in the ribs with her spare weapon. Izshandriel made for a kick, only to have her foot grabbed. She spun around and let a heel fly to Morina’s jaw. The captain staggered back as Izzy continued her fast approach. Izzy cut at Morina’s calves, then waist and shoulder. The captain tried to fight back, still underestimating Izshandriel, but angry that she was being beaten.

Morina tried to punch Izzy. Izshandriel punched a nerve alongside of Morina’s arm. For a moment, the captain was immobilized. She nearly fell back from the nervous shock shooting through her body. When she came to, Izzy had run at her, jumped in the air with a flying knee and elbow. The captain fell back with Izzy’s weight. Izshandriel straddled the captain and pulled her by the neck, punching her repeatedly with little resistance.

Starripper stood up, noticing the tables had drastically turned. “Dreamstalker!” She called out. Izzy let out one more punch before looking at the bloodied face of Morina, and dropping her head to floor. She herself was surprised at her brutality and unaware of where her newfound energy and focus had come from. She stepped off Morina and marched back to her tent without a word. Everyone was just as speechless, particularly Saedra. Starripper stood from her chair, looking at Morina, gesturing for others to aid her. She looked in Izzy’s direction with a smirk.
[Image: 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
Reply
#10
There was something different about that day... whether it be the lengthy silent rain that fell in the morning, or the blue moon in the sky at night. The world was warning her... preparing her for something she truly wasn't prepared for. But cruel is the world, taking advantage of the weak at the worst of times... the times when the weak believe they are strong. And there was never a more overconfident person than Merewen. The entire family's reputation followed them wherever they went, and such respect was given. But today... such respect was immaterial.

Merewen had been wandering Eversong forests, exploring and simply stepping away from the congestion of the usual life. While the wilderness wasn't terribly dangerous, she knew she could handle herself should the need arise... or so she thought. The blue moon in the sky was truly a sight to see, but rainclouds would rob her of that beauty. It started to drizzle, and then the rain grew heavier and heavier with every passing moment. Though, Merewen, plagued by the habit of wearing her warmage armor was not worried. Her light armaments kept her dry, the rainwater sliding off to the ground.

Thunder crashed as lightning turned night to day for a brief moment. With all the trees around, Merewen knew to try and hurry home and avoid the danger of nature's wrath. Upon turning around, there was a shadow darker than the night she walked in. It stood looming in the path in front of her, motionless.

“Hello?” Merewen called out, leaning forward to get a better view, but that proved useless. The shadow remained silent. “Are you from the estate?” She asked. Once again, there was not a response.

Lightning flashed once more. The figure was revealed. A giant humanoid stood before her, cloaked and hooded. It wore armor beneath its thick cover, that much she could tell. Merewen stepped forward drawing closer thinking it could have been a lost Crusader. Lightning revealed the creature again, and as she grew closer she saw the glowing eyes of a Kaldorei. The pieces came together in her mind.

“Izshandriel?” Merewen asked. She walked closer and confirmed her guess. There was not a bigger night elf that she knew of, and none more eerie in presence. She stood right in front of the giant elf. “Are you looking for mom? We haven't seen you in a while. Home is right up the road if you want to follow me.” Izshandriel stood there, motionless, her eyes staring forward above Merewen. “Um... I was just going t---” In that moment, Merewen had no idea what happened. She found herself covered in mud, her eyes opening at ground level, and an immense pain in her stomach. She looked up and found herself dozens of feet away from Izshandriel.

“W-what...” Merewen struggled to say as she wobbled to her feet. The night elf before her reached behind her back and brought forward two large hammers with large spikes on the end. The ease in which she held the heavy weapons was daunting, but even more menacing was the fact that she dropped them into the ground; the sheer weight of the weapons anchored themselves into the ground. Izshandriel took slow steps forward, her armor silent with each step. Merewen stepped back.

“H-hey! What's this all about?! What did I do to you?” Merewen asked, but Izshandriel marched forward. “Fine!” Merewen drew out her sword, then held her left hand out as a staff materialized in her grip. “I, Merewen Sunfire, deem you a notable threat to myself, and therefore the Kirin Tor and ultimately the people of Azeroth.” Merewen's sword began to glow a with a fiery heat, the raindrops bursting into steam as they landed on the blade. “I will exercise my power as a warmage of the Kirin Tor to subdue you. You have been warned.” Merewen ran forward toward Izshandriel and swung her blade forward. The night elf grabbed her arm and threw Merewen away from her.

“Damn it...” Merewen said as she tumbled along the ground, springing back to her feet. Again she dashed forward, swinging her blade but underestimated Izshandriel's agility. Every attack was avoided. Merewen, fueled with frustration swung forward again with an increased speed. The night elf brought up her hand to block the sword; sparks flew with the clash of metal. Merewen gasped. She surely believed the hot blade to cut through the armor. Izshandriel stared down at Merewen as the warmage's staff came thrusting forward to her stomach.

An explosion came between the two, though Merewen was the only one to be thrown from it. Izshandriel merely stood in the same place. Her cloak was burned, her armor steaming and some parts cracked. Merewen stood up from the ground and ran forward again. This time, she blinked to Izshandriel, slicing her through her armor with the burning blade. Again she blinked and repeated the same motions attacking from different angles. The night elf seemed surprised through her apathetic facade, looking down at her protective shell now ruined. Blood poured from her wounds.

Merewen stared at Izshandriel, closing her eyes in focus. Multiple images of the warmage circled around Izshandriel, each with their own motions.

“You can surrender now.” said Merewen along with her copies in unison. “And I'll escort you to the proper authorities. How does that sound?” Izshandriel gave no response. “Fine... I warned you.” The mirror images all ran toward Izshandriel with the blade and staff prepared. The night elf looked around, eyeing each one. Once they were in range, Izshandriel turned around and grabbed the real Merewen by the neck. The clone images disappeared. The night elf pulled back and threw her high into the air. The height was enough to break Merewen's legs.

“Damn it...” Merewen said as she reached her peak height. Upon falling, she gained some control of herself and headed straight for her enemy. Her sword and staff were ready, charged with arcane power. The night elf readied herself, hearing Merewen's last battle cry as they neared each other. Izshandriel threw a fist toward Merewen, colliding with the magical staff.

Neither of them remember the explosion that cast them away from each other, but only one had the strength to recover. Izshandriel, now with her armor severely damaged and useless, stood up and approached the motionless Merewen who laid on the ground. The night elf stared for a few moments before picking up the blood elf and casting her over her shoulder. Izshandriel walked back to the estate, fighting the wind and rain.

“You're not ready to protect your family, Merewen.” Izshandriel said. “Soon...”

Merewen knew something was odd about that day. Nothing could have prepared her for what came... or what would later on. She would only awake in a bed, her wounds tended to. The outlawed murderer who brought her there was not seen again, until another time.


-=-=

Years went by without notice. There was more weight training, more extensive exercises pushing Izshandriel and the remaining elves forward. They were noticeable bigger, taller, mostly to blame for their regimen. The threat of the demons kept growing, but the rest of Silverwing had been doing their job. The captains started to become concerned with their trainees. Not only were they outsizing them, but their tempers began to shorten, often starting minor fights between each other. Even the calm Eilana was known to change her demeanor from time to time. For years the training would continue, but one day they had taken a detour from the usual.

Starripper had the captains and trainees gathered around a line of tied and bound demons of all types. They were deprived of their weapons, and their magic was silenced.

“Some of you may or may not have come across your sworn enemy.” Starripper began. “You’ve learned all we have to teach you about the Burning Legion. By now, you know their anatomy, their weaknesses, and their strengths. You know what they’ve done to our people… their involvement in the destruction of Suramar… the Well of Eternity… Nordrassil.” Starripper pointed at the helpless demons. “They stop at nothing to achieve their chaotic goals. And you will stop at nothing to kill them. They immune to most magics, so taking them down conventionally will be the only way to vanquish them. When your training is done, these fiends will be nothing more than fodder for you.”

The huntress gestured to her trainees. “Take your arms. And kill these abominations.” Immediately all the trainees took up their own weapons and stared down the demons that were growling and still trying to get free, muttering at the elves in their demonic tongue. One by one, the elves cut down the demons, some needing a second, third, and even fourth swing due to the resilience of the creatures.

Izshandriel only stared at hers. Something about it didn’t feel right. It was an evil creature to be sure but… to kill them like this? Some part of her wished to cut it free and let it fight her for its freedom. She knew that wouldn’t be permitted. The two stared at each other for some time. Izshandriel began to hear voices in her mind. Something was speaking out from within her, and it almost seemed like the demon could hear the voices too.

The demons scowl turned to a look of genuine curiosity as its head tilted staring at Izzy. Then, the creature began to laugh. The voices in her head became clearer. It was no language she knew. The demon continued to laugh, more maniacally over time. Izshandriel soon became overwhelmed by the voices along with the demon. She swung her blade down at the demon. He had stopped laughing; looking at her with the widest sinister grin she had ever seen. With one swipe his head was severed and rolled to the floor.

Izshandriel panted, out of breath from anxiety. The others stared at her while she fell to a single knee. This felt wrong… everything about it was wrong.
[Image: 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
Reply
#11
In her abandoned monastery turned fortress, Izshandriel sat down in a back room of the sanctuary. It was circular, surrounded by stone coffins. The expansive space and high ceiling made even the slightest noise echo about the walls. She rested on her knees, her eyes closed.

“IIIIIzzyyyyyy…” She heard her name sang. She gave no response. The voice was female, faint, ghostlike… familiar. “IIIIIzzyyyyyy….” The voice called again. “My dearest… dearest Izzy…” The voice was closer now. It sounded like it was in another world, with a bass undertone that reverberated throughout the bones. She spoke slow, raspy and commanding , accentuating a low-key gloominess. Sometimes she placed usual stress on syllables, emphasizing the wrong parts of words and making unneeded pauses. From time to time she would change the pitch of her voice, almost in the middle of a word. “Don’t ignore me, Izzy… you can’t…” Izshandriel felt a body embrace her from behind.

“So calm on the surface… hiding this relationship of ours you call a struggle.” The room began to dim, though Izshandriel did not notice. “You need me, Izzy.” The voice was in front of her now, she could feel the breath of the voice on her lips. “I excite you… I give you those dark… lovely thoughts. They fill you with happiness… dread… a desire that cannot be sated.” Soft, luring lips pressed against Izzy’s in a gentle and lustful manner. “Every day, you venture deeper into darkness. And I’m here… at your side… protecting you.”

Izzy felt a force surround her like a silk blanket. The voice continued. “I’m protecting you, don’t you see?” The elf felt like icy hands gripped her heart… like a sweet poison coursed through her veins. “You want me, Izzy… don’t fool yourself. We are one. Your lies grow… that smile that holds no hope.” Izshandriel’s heart began to race. Sweat fell down her skin. The anticipation was overbearing, like a lover waiting for her first touch, or a soldier waiting to be cut. “I can set you free.” In the back of her mind, Izshandriel heard hollow pulsating laughter. She heard silent screams echo inside her soul. It was torment, clawing at her insides like jagged rocks on a child’s flesh. As soft hands glided along her skin, her soul was lacerated causing her skin to crawl. “Just look at me, Izzy…”

“No.”


----

Years passed.

Izshandriel and the other trainees were suited and marched through the forests of Ashenvale in the night. They were headed by a few captains who walked in front of them. They were uniform, and focused. They knew what was coming today. They were debriefed on their mission. They were hunting a demon camp today. Scouts had located a collective of the fel creatures gathering east of the camp.

“Are you ready, Izshandriel?” Saedra said to Izshandriel.

“Always.” She replied. She, along with the other trainees now outsized the captains. They were taller, their muscles built for their specialty. Izshandriel’s was pure strength. “But I don’t like this execution.”

“What do you mean?” Saedra questioned.

“The plan… it’s too… raw.” Izzy said. “But I won’t question Starripper.”

"It's only a small pack of demons... nothing we captains haven't taken care of before."

The elves chatted amongst themselves, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding forests. The closer they approached the more desolate and tarnished the forest became. Izshandriel began to hear whispers in her mind. Once again, it was in a tongue she did not understand. Soon enough the forests were burned, eaten by ever-burning green flame. The pack of elves monitored all sides of the bare woods. The air became sharp. The moon was out of sight. Something was near… whispers… a touch? The elves could not see or smell it. The breezes became cold, leaving chills on the skin of the elves. The sounds of breathing were nearby, raspy… laborious. Their senses began to stir; ideas and negative emotions began to flow. Darkness was calling, a voice of death and chaos. Soon all Izshandriel could hear was her heart pounding in her chest like a bell in a storm waiting with eagerness.

There they came upon the camp of idling demons who were unaware of their presence. Satyr, succubi, felbeasts lurked around. The captains waved the trainees to ready their bows. All was set… all was ready. Then, the Sentinels opened fire upon the unsuspecting demons. Most of them fell to the ground, either in death or shock. The demons looked around for the elves but they were not in sight. Again the elves volleyed arrows. More demons fell… but more became aware. Demons came all directions, casting burning bolts of shadow and felfire. The elves maintained position for only so long before they began to scatter in fear, defending only themselves.

Izshandriel dropped her bow and charged the demons directly with her sword. She cut down what she could; withstanding magic against her body, shrugging off spells without deterring from her furious charges. She took the burns and cut down the demons that inflicted them. Through the thrill of battle, she lost track of the others. They were winning, surely, but separated.

Then, felguards and infernals had charged forward. The tide of battle was quickly turned. The elves could hardly defend against the felguards, let alone the infernals. Elves were tossed aside, and forced to retreat at the sudden ambush. This was nothing what they were prepared for… if anything it was a trap. The captains ordered to flee, only managing to cut down one felguard by overwhelming him. Izshandriel however didn’t hear the call.

As the elves gathered outside the now enflamed area, they checked to see that all were accounted for. Eilana was stuck under a fallen tree. Lyra ran over to help her, trying to lift the log. Izshandriel had just finished cutting down a succubus after enduring the burning whip that wrapped around her arm.

She heard the cries of Eilana and ran to help Lyra. With Izshandriel’s help, the log was safely removed but Eilana unable to run.

“Get her out of here!” Izshandriel ordered Lyra. Eilana pointed behind the two elves with a scream. Izshandriel turned around, swinging her blade about and catching a felguard’s massive blade against hers. The force sent her to a knee, but she managed to stop his advance, surprising even the demon. “Leave… now!” Izshandriel struggled to say. She pushed back the felguard and stepped back, holding her stance. The demon chuckled and muttered something in his demonic tongue. Lyra had left with Eilana, and Izshandriel was left to her own. Trees began to fall, burning and inhibiting any further entrance to the demon camp.

She fought head to head with the felguard, keeping up only so much before her body began to be overwhelmed by the demonic fires. She was caressed with fear. Bright ominous eyes of the encroaching demons stared at her, circling around the lone elf. It was formidable, if not intimidating. Soon she was consumed by dread. The darkness surrounding her turned, and toiled as if alive and attempting to possess her. The whispers grew louder, and she could almost understand them. Suddenly the demons rushed her.

Their presence overwhelmed her. She dropped her weapon, buckling at the knees in fear before the felguard grabbed her by the mouth, his hands burning into her flesh. She did not scream in pain… only immediately fell unconscious… limp in the demons hand. He brought the elf close to him and sniffed her. He dropped the elf to the ground and walked away. A succubus, licked her lips, wrapping her whip around Izshandriel’s neck and dragged her along the ground back toward the center of the camp.

Saedra was outside the flames with the retreating elves. She screamed, “IZSHANDRIEL!!!”

IIIIIZZZZYYYYYYYY...
[Image: 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
Reply
#12
Izshandriel sat at a round table with a handful of others in the Monastery. Their looks could kill, yet Izshandriel did not waver.

“You’re on a losing hand, Izshandriel. Cease your bluffs and give up while you can.” Said a man.

“Hmph… I haven’t lived this long by giving up so easily.” Izshandriel replied. “You’re lucky I even took the time to sit down peacefully with all of you. Apparently you like defeat brought out directly in front of you. How bold…”

“Empty threats never scare me.” Said an elf woman.

A disheveled dwarf looked at Izshandriel. He stroked his beard and smirked, “Say, how much did that armor cost ya, lass?”

“More than yours, I can say that. And you can’t have it.” Izshandriel said flatly.

A one-eyed man crossed his arms, “You did say you bet everything and your life on a victory… and the way I see it, you’re out of luck.” He gestured to the others on the table, “Want to take your chances?”

“I don’t take chances. Only guarantees.” Izshandriel said.

The sin’dorei woman whispered over to Izshandriel, “Tell you what…” began the elven woman. “You’re losing the game. I could help out if you want…discreetly. Silent, you know?” Izshandriel gave no response. “Silent, eh?” The Sindorei sat upright and scoffed, “Fine then, I don’t want to help you anyway, bloody uncivilized, that’s what you are.”

“Stop stalling, Izshandriel! It’s now or never.” The man said.

Izshandriel placed a large hand on the table. There she revealed two cards, and sat back in her seat muttering two words, “Royal Flush.”

The others at the table flailed their arms in protest, shouting obscenities at the gargantuan elf.

“Oh hush hush now.” Izshandriel teased, wrapping her arms around a pile of coins on the table, “Should’ve quit while you were ahead.”

“I hate you, Izzy. Hate. You.” said the Sindorei.

“Get in line.” Izshandriel smirked. “Now everyone… you all have work to be done. You remember the bets. Extra exercises for everyone.” Izshandriel looked at her subordinates as they left with a huff. She rolled a coin between her fingers, placing her legs on the table.


--

Izshandriel woke up to a burning heat… it was unbearable for her body and soul. Her arms were strung up to two wooden posts while she rested on her knees. She could hear nothing but a very bass, glottal chanting that was going over and over. The voice seemed to come from all around, consuming every thought she had like a plague.

Az’gala kamilgolad, az’gala mishundare, az’gala zekulrakkas… adare rikk enkilzar kirasath x aman asj’gul tor.

She had no idea what was becoming of her. She wished to tear out her eyes so that she might see clearly… or to rip out her tongue so she could speak. Every desire was to harm herself, to rip out her heart, to remove her lungs, to destroy her brain.

The room she was in was full of succubi who surrounded Izshandriel as voluptuous as they were. It was an unholy magic brought in by them… no matter what the circumstance they could fill any being with an overbearing sense of sexual desire. Everything in her body would lust after these demons but her mind spoke otherwise. Izshandriel felt a weighted pressure on her body and soul. Soon she began to black out, yet her body was still awake. She was unsure of what happened to her during this time, a mix of pain, torment and ecstacy were flooding around like a maelstrom. Was she violated? Her purity stolen by demons? Was this a simple torture of the conniving succubi? She could only assume the worst. This was what would become of her… she was lost to her people and most likely assumed dead.

This hurts you, we know… how curious a specimen the Kaldorei bring. Endure this torment, elf. Your pain brings us laughter… and we revel in your anguish. Your screams and cries… your pleas for mercy. They are water to us.

Izshandriel awoke, unchained and on the floor. She was sore all over her body while she rested in a pool of her own blood. Her ichor was splashed about, even on the ceiling as she managed to turn her head. Her body was severely slashed and cut everywhere, it was a surprise she was even alive. She whimpered, trying to crawl out of the cave she was in. She had little strength to do so and instead cried until her tears turned to blood. Soon enough she would black out again.

With an unknown amount of time passed, Izshandriel woke up outside, still entirely weak strung up to a pole by her wrists. A felguard had come up to her, face to face. She was hardly able to even look at him in the eyes out of fear and exhaustion. The demon motioned his hands, and a felhound approached. The creature sniffed at Izshandriel, giving a confused look as it turned to the felguard.

“Anach kyree.” The felguard said. The words, as foreign as they came to Izzy began to sound more and more familiar. “Maev daz x me draen. Tiros arakalada e aman’buras.”
One of the succubi came forward to Izzy, and reached out toward the elf, making strange motions with her fingers before pulling her hand back as if she grabbed a hold of something. Immediately Izshandriel gasped, her back arching as her eyes now glowed green.

“So this is what the Kaldorei are planning…” said the felguard. Izshandriel was able to translate the words in her mind. “Bold… desperate…” The felguard drew closer to Izshandriel, “The trust of your sisters is misplaced. Fortunately you will not live to see betrayal.” As the felguard continued to speak, his language began to shift back to the incomprehensible demonic tongue. She spotted a spark of light passed the green flame surrounding the camp. Her eyes widened, her attention now fixated on it. The felguard noticed her divided attention and turned to see what she stared at.

Through the fiery flames came a night elf mounted on a frostsaber. As the feline leapt from a hill top, the elf jumped from her mount pulling out a bow and accurately disposing of several demons. As she neared the ground, she tightened a fist that began to glow with a great intensity. She slammed her fist into the ground, a bright golden explosion of light spread out from the elf and destroyed everything in a small radius. Izshandriel caught sight of the elf. White hair, pale skin, a bare face. Her attire was a mix of shimmering white silk and silver plated armor.

There was no more beautiful and glorious a sight as the elf stood up to her feet, staring forward. Her frostsaber walked up behind her. The felguard gestured for the other demons to attack, all of them rushing forward.

The frostsaber immeadiately ran to attack the oncoming demons as the new Kaldorei had begun to exhaust her arrows. Her shots were deadly accurate, and when she was finished she extended her hand. A glistening volley of light shot out from her hands, peltering the demons. Those victim to her magic found their limbs completely removed on contact. The light burned off arms, legs, and burned holes in stomachs. Soon, all that was left was the towering felguard who was already subject to wounds. The frostsaber wanted to attack, but the elf gestured for it to stay back.

The elf took a sword from her side and charged forward, shooting light at the demon who attempted to withstand the spells. Cut by cut the elf managed to outmaneuver and flank the demon, keeping him distracted with blinding light and minor spells. Eventually the felguard staggered to his knees. The elf leapt onto his back and pressed a hand to the back of his skull. Once again she let out a burning light and vaporized the demons head completely. The elf stood up from the fallen corpse and caught her breath. She then looked over to the dying Izshandriel and rushed over to her. Izzy could hardly keep her eyes open.

“Y-you saved me…before…” Izshandriel stated, remembering her first encounter with a demon only succeeded from a distraction of a mysterious arrow.

“Don’t worry, Iz… I have you now…” the elf said, she cut Izshandriel loose and carried her bloodied body, not bothered about getting dirty. She held Izzy in a tight embrace, “No one is going to hurt you.”

Izshandriel began to lose consciousness, only muttering one last word. “…Aliandril…”
[Image: 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
Reply
#13
Izshandriel sat in a small private study within the monastery as the others continued about their business. She had but a small candle by her side to illuminate the map that was in front of her. It was a map of Azeroth, finely detailed and labeled, surely one she found in the monastery records. She pinned down several locations, like Reigen’s estate, the monastery, Hearthglen, both safe havens and danger zones. She was issued a mission from the Matron. A small group of people were giving her trouble, along with an elf named Krest and his companions.

“Chimera…” she quietly repeated to herself. “Wands… doppelgangers…” Kill… “Fake blood… wands… no prisoners…” Kill… “Blood like water… extract information…” Kill… “Kill.” The elf stood up from her seat and left to make preparations.

You like the blood, don’t you?


---

Izshandriel woke to a noon sun piercing through the canopy of Ashenvale. Even in midday the trees offered much shade. Still the light was near blinding to her. Her body was still sore, and her stomach sour. She groaned, putting her hands to her face, taking in a deep breath.

“Morning Iz.” said a familiar voice. It was Aliandril, but it was difficult to tell. Izshandriel put her hands down and looked to her left. Then, she realized that none of it was a dream. She had been rescued from demons. She tried to sit up, only to have a finger gently press her forehead back onto the floor.

“Where…” Izzy began to ask.

“Don’t get up too fast.” Aliandril said, working a small fire and roasting a rabbit. “You’ve been out a few days now.”

“Ali?” Izzy asked. Aliandril gave her sister the gentlest smiles one could. “You saved me?”

Aliandril turned the rabbit on its side, “Those demons didn’t leave much of you to save.” Just the mention of demons made Izzy groan in pain. “I’ve healed what I can… but these scars from fel magic… they will remain.” Izshandriel looked at her arms and exposed body. She was naked, bandaged but mostly bare showing several scars caused by demonic magic. She rested her head down with a sigh. “I brought you food.” Aliandril prepared Izzy’s meal with some berries, leaves, and the roasted rabbit, all of it presented on a giant leaf.

Izshandriel took the food without hesitation, “Why are you here?”

Aliandril tilted her head, “Hm? You’re my sister. You expect me to abandon you?”

“You know what I mean, Ali.” Izzy said, digging into her meal.

“When mom told me you were joining the Sentinels… I set out to keep an eye on you.”
Aliandril began cleaning up the fire and the mess made preparing dinner, “I’m glad I did… Huntress Starripper hasn’t been kind to you all.”

“All for a good cause…” Izzy remarked.

“This is nothing like normal Sentinel training. This is survival. She’s sifting through you all to find the best. You’ve already lost a few…”

“You don’t trust her, do you?” Izzy asked. Aliandril shook her head. “Saedra has been wary too.”

“Well, I don’t trust anyone with my sister.”Aliandril smiled, patting Izzy on the back. “Now eat up… you need your strength.”

Izshandriel swallowed her food, “They probably think I’m dead.”

“Maybe…” Aliandril began folding some clothes, “…but you’ll show them otherwise, right?”

“I guess I should return… put their minds at ease. I’m sure Saedra’s worried sick.”
Aliandril nodded, “Saedra’s a good woman… if there was anyone I trusted with you, it’s her.”

“Part of me doesn’t want to go back.” Izzy’s head lowered. Her gaze more somber.

“You haven’t had much of a life to live… I know.” Aliandril rubbed Izzy’s back. “Look at you. You’re already taller than me and twice my size and growing. Whatever Starripper is doing, it’s working.”

“I guess…”

Aliandril frowned, “I know how you feel… when I left for the Watchers, it was tough to not run home.”

“Why did you leave?”

Aliandril paused for a notable time. She only stared into nothing for a while before a wide and gentle smile masked her thoughts, “A story for another time.”

“Ali?”

“Let’s just say… personal feelings got in the way. It was best I left then before I got myself into trouble.”

“Aliandril? Miss Goody Two-Shoes? Trouble?” Izshandriel teased.

“Hush!” said Aliandril.

“I find it hard to believe. Much like that nickname of yours.” Izzy said. Just the mention of her alias changed Aliandril’s disposition immediately. “What was it? Nightshade or something? Way too dark and aggressive for someone like you. How did you even get that name?"

Aliandril looked away with a smile, “It’s just a nickname... for brevity’s sake.” She deviated

There was a small pause between the two. Izzy looked at her sister. “Ali.”

Aliandril looked at her sister. “Hm?”

“I missed you.” Izzy smiled.

Aliandril hugged her sister, “I missed you too, Iz. That’s why I’ve watched over you. And I always will… Now come on. Eat up. We leave early tomorrow.”
[Image: 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
Reply
#14
The Dreamstalker sisters, hardly ever seen together, walked side by side through the Ashenvale forests, searching for the special training camp Izshandriel belonged to. For hours they trekked back, and it seemed an eternity, or perhaps Izshandriel was starting to feel the effects of the regimen withdrawal. She did her best to hide the pain and uneasiness from her sister. However more muscular and taller Izshandriel had become, she still felt the need to impress her elder sibling, and still… perhaps forever felt inferior. To take her mind off her mental and physical struggles, Izzy began to sing some ancient tunes to which Aliandril happily joined in.

The song continued on until they came upon the hill to which the camp would be found, and so they did. They came upon the camp, now in ruins, burned and ravaged. The bodies of demons and elves were about, though the demon losses were far greater.

“Oh no…” Izshandriel ran to the camp, looking for survivors. She began to name the elves she found, “Dara… Alunei… Ilitha… by Elune, what happened here?”

Aliandril looked grim, “Demons followed them here. A trail of wounded elves wouldn’t be difficult to track.” She looked to Izzy, “You think your attack would go unpunished?”

“But all… I don’t…” Izshandriel couldn’t manage to make a sentence. She paced quickly back and forth, “Where did the rest go?”

Aliandril checked the fallen elves, “Your friends lives are hanging by a thread.”

Izzy quickly turned around, “You can heal them?”

“… It will take some time. But know this, if I do… I will send them home unless they say otherwise.” Aliandril said.

“Yes, yes… yeah just… bring them back.” Izzy said, frantic. She looked around the forests and paused for a moment. Some feeling got a hold of her… perhaps her instincts. “They went east.”

Aliandril began to work her healing magic on one of the elves. “How are you sure?”

“I just… know…” Izzy said, staring off into the distance.

Aliandril cast a protective field of light over the elf, the magic apparently working slowly over time. She stood up and turned to Izshandriel, “Hey Iz.” Her younger sister turned to her. “Go follow them. Chances are some demons might still be following them.” Izshandriel nodded and hugged her sister tightly. “Don’t you worry; I’ll always be here… I’ll always be watching you.” Izshandriel left, running as fast as she could. Aliandril was left to heal the fallen elves, slowly bringing them back to a functioning state.





Hours passed before Izshandriel came upon any sign of her comrades. She did, as Aliandril predicted come upon a demon hunting party. Satyrs lead by fel hounds. The demons continued walking, following the path toward the new camp. One of the satyrs was impaled through the heart with an arrow. As the others turned to see what caused this, Izzy had already been upon them, shooting another before cutting the remaining down.

She fended off the fel hounds as best she could, but one pounced on her. It repeatedly tried to bite her. She took one moment to reach into its throat and ravage it from the inside. It quickly leapt off her, choking on its own blood before dying. Izshandriel’s arm was covered in bite marks, bleeding as another fel hound came to her. The demon leapt into the air but was met with an arrow and instantly died. Izshandriel looked around for the trace of the arrow and saw a friendly face come from the brush. It was Lyra.

“Izzy?” Lyra questioned. She chuckled in disbelief, “Even in death you’re full of surprises.” She jogged over to her and helped Izzy up. “We thought you were...”

“So did I…” Izshandriel said, standing to her feet.

“What happened? You hardly look like you’ve a scratch on you… except these…” Lyra traced the fel scars from the fel guards hand on her mouth, and the whips of the succubi.

“Aliandril.” Izzy said. “My sister, she was there.”

“I didn’t know you had one.” Lyra blinked, “Where is she now?”

“She… sent me back here. But... keep this to yourself, okay?” Izzy responded.

Lyra nodded, “Well, let’s go back. Saedra and Eilana will be happy to see you.”

It was no more than a few minutes away, but the new camp was established, most of the tents and equipment still being set up. Much of the production stopped when Izzy arrived. The elves looked in amazement and soon crowded her, first met by Saedra and Eilana who rushed her with teary eyes. Saedra and Eilana were unable to form words through their hysterical joy. But it wasn’t long before the commotion drew the attention of other high-ranking captains, and namely the Huntress herself.

Starripper stood out from her tent, “Izshandriel!” She shouted over the crowd. All became quiet. Starripper beckon Izshandriel to the tent, and she obeyed. When the two were in private, Starripper prepared a small meal and drink for Izshandriel.

“So, Dreamstalker. It seems you have your mother’s tenacity.” Starripper began. “She’d be proud I’m sure.”

“How do you know my mother?” Izshandriel questioned.

“We trained together. We were both captains at one point. She left, I continued. End of story.”

“Right…”

Starripper sat across from Izzy, “So tell me, what happened.”

Izzy paused her eating, putting the utensils down, “You know what happened. We went into a demon encampment and were nearly slaughtered.” Izzy began, “Tell me, was that attack worth it?”

“What are you talking about?” Starripper asked.

“You knew full well what we were getting into… you expected too much of us. Was it worth the lives, Huntress?”

“…what happened to you in the camp?” Starripper asked.

“I don’t remember. It was too chaotic and saturated with demonic energy to make use of any of my memories.”

Starripper’s gaze became sterner, “How did you make it out, Dreamstalker?”

Izshandriel leaned back, crossing her arms, “Oh, that’s a secret.” Izzy looked directly at Starripper, “Everyone has secrets. I’m not about to spoil mine.”

The two shared a long hard glare before Starripper shrugged, “Well, I was never good at questioning people. I’m not your sister.”

“What do you mean?” Izzy questioned.

“You mean you don’t know?” Starripper chuckled at Izzy’s ignorance. “The infamous Nightshade’s reputation is not even known to her sister. How amusing!” She laughed again, “Go on, Dreamstalker… I have nothing more to ask of you.”

“No, what do you mean? What about my sister?” Izzy questioned.

“Why don’t you ask her when you get the chance? Like you said…” Starripper grinned, “Everyone has their secrets.” Izzy left the tent and rejoined with her friends, still wary of Starripper’s words.





Back at the abandoned encampment, Aliandril had been tending to the fall elves. It was a slow process but she was making some headway. It was quiet, save for some crackling flame. She heard the shuffling of wood behind her. Immediately, she froze, listening closely. She heard the female voice of a succubus say something in demonic. Aliandril bared her fangs in a large grin. She turned around the moment the rubble behind her shifted. A succubus tried to fly away but Aliandril already had a bow ready. An arrow caught the succubus in the shoulder, sending her to the ground.

The ex-Watcher approached the fallen demon, kicking her onto her stomach and planting a foot on her back. She grabbed one of the wings on her back and broke the bones within. By the same wing she tossed the succubus closer to the camp and approached her again. With each injury the demon cried out in pain.

“A tormentor. Oh the irony…” Aliandril chuckled darkly. She began to remove her gloves. “You’re going to tell me what happened at your camp, Sayaadi.”

The succubus scurried back on the ground, muttering things in Ere’dun.

“Are you listening?” Aliandril continued to approach her. The demon talked back at Aliandril in her demonic tongue. “I KNOW YOU UNDERSTAND ME!” She shouted, casting a wave of holy fire to scorch the demon. “ANSWER ME!” Aliandril roared. The succubus spat in Aliandril’s face. The elf smirked, “You’re going to wish you never did that.”

“I’m not afraid of your kind. You know nothing of pain! I can withstand anything.” The succubus responded in Darnassian.

Aliandril’s smirk grew wider, “Is that right…?” A flow of holy energy began emitting from her, and into the succubus but it was not causing anything more than discomfort. The elf continued to approach, “Years ago… an entire demon scouting party was taken for months. Some of your sisters included. They were returned… empty and lifeless. Word has it, they were killed for betraying the Legion... and more importantly for being utterly useless when they returned. The only words they could speak were…”

“Nightshade.” The succubus finished.

“Nightshade.” Aliandril repeated. “So you do know the story.”

The succubus hissed, “It was foul magic.”

Aliandril stared and then broke out into a laugh. The elf vanished into the darkness of the night. “Did you know when they spoke the word ‘Nightshade’, they spoke of me?”

The succubus froze for a second. Aliandril continued “You see… I know your kind. I learned from your kind. When I dealt with non-demonic prisoners, I learned how to break people very easily. I mastered the art of healing to an extent where I could kill my victim, over and over and over and over again. And continuously bring them back to life. The insanity is that nothing changed. You never get used to it. That feeling of death… is alwaaaays… fresh.”

“Then kill me.” The succubus taunted.

“Oh no no no no… you’d be of no use to me then. During this little conversation I’ve been feeding my energy into the very fabric of your being. Think of it like… a cloth, but every other stitch is a different thread. Rip those threads out, the fabric will still hold…for the most part.” Aliandril emerged from the shadows, “The bad news is, I can’t heal you. The good news is… I can do this method over and over and over and over again... without killing you. But it will feel just the same.”

“Y-You're... you're...”

“I'm what?” Aliandril asked. “Hm?” Suddenly she became filled with a short burst of rage. “I'M WHAT?!” She cast a bolt of holy energy, and vaporizing the succubus' arm. As the succubus cried out in pain, Aliandril turned around, fixing her hair and composed herself. She let out a small chuckle before turning back to the demon, “Do you think this is a game?!” She proceeded to kick the demon onto her stomach, and stepped on her back before ripping one of the wings completely off.

“You... will hear nothing from me...” the succubus managed to say. Aliandril raised her hand in front of her. A thread made of golden light appeared in her grip, the line leading to the demon. There it illuminated beneath the skin, embedded into the demons very existence. The thread was complex and thorough.

“Remember the thread?” Aliandril glared. She only tugged on it a little, and the succubus screamed at the top of her lungs. “You feel it now, don't you?” Aliandril chuckled, “Ah yes... it's like plucking your nerves and heart strings like a marvelous instrument. You see, Sayaadi. I do not appreciate the chaos your kind ensues. And much like the rest of the Legion, when you strike against me, I cut off your hands. When you spew curses, I cut out your tongue. When you rise against my people, I cut off your head and stick it on a pike. I parade around the lands with it held hiiiigh... because that...” The elf tugged the thread again. The demon cried out just the same. “...that is how you keep order.” The demon felt no greater pain than this day. “So... Sayaadi. Are you going to talk?” The succubus gave Aliandril one silent glare. “Very well... let's try harder shall we?” Instead of tugging on the energy thread by the finger, Aliandril wrapped the thread around her wrist a few times before gripping in her hands. The demon looked at her almost with pleading eyes. The elf yanked the thread. The silent night of Ashenvale was broken by the single scream of a succubus.
[Image: 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
Reply
#15
A decades passed once more. Starripper’s camp was rebuilt and fortified. The demons patrolled still, and the elven hunting parties were better suited to take them on. Ashenvale was under Sentinel control for certain. Starripper’s experimental soldiers were doing their job, but not without some hiccups. For her dangerous potion regimens would sooner or later, have negative consequences on the unsuspecting elves.

Izshandriel had recently returned from a hunting party with a few other trainees. They were allowed to travel with a single captain rather than a captain per trainee. As she wiped the sweat from her brow, she noticed Saedra tossing twigs into a fire.

“Captain?” said Izshandriel.

Saedra returned with a somber voice, “Hey Izzy.”

Izshandriel sat beside her, “What’s wrong?”

Saedra stopped what she was doing, folding her hands between her knees and staring forward, “Avara ran off.”

Izzy seemed confused, “Av—Why?”

Saedra sighed, tossing small twigs and leaves into the fire again, “Not sure. She started complaining about voices earlier. I’m… angry that I didn’t do anything about it before. She kept hearing voices. While you were scouting, she just… lost her mind. She became increasingly aggressive… angry… and started attacking everyone. Then she ran off into the forest.”

“That doesn’t sound like her at all.” Izshandriel noted.

Saedra growled, “It’s that damned regimen you’ve been taking.”

Izzy shrugged, “But I feel fine.”

“Really?”

It was then Izshandriel recalled that she, too, heard voices. She suffered symptoms, and withdrawals. She couldn’t deny that Saedra was right about it. The captains didn’t take anything and they were normal. The trainees, even if they underwent special training still outgrew the captains in size and power. “Y-yeah…”

“Well… maybe you do now.” Saedra pointed at Izzy, “But Elune damn me if I let anything happen to you. I took you as a child… I will NOT take you to your grave.”

“There’s nothing you can do about it.” Izzy said, flatly.

“No…” Saedra looked contemplative, her eyes drawn to the fire, “…perhaps not.” She waved Izzy off, “Go get cleaned up and eat something.”

--

The following morning Saedra was found in the city, speaking to a messenger. She held out a sealed envelope to the elf, along with a few coin for the fee.

“Do not deliver this just yet. Hold onto it for a week. I’ll be back to retrieve it. If I’m not… deliver it.”

The postman nodded, tucking it away in his satchel, “It sounds like you’re going on a perilous journey, Captain.”

Saedra turned to leave, “Potentially… just make sure this letter gets to who it is addressed to.”

“Yes ma’am.”

--

Saedra returned to Starripper’s camp. And in the middle of the night, left her tent when all was quiet. While Starripper’s wagon was still at camp, she used what skills she had to follow the deep wheel tracks it made in the road. She stuck to the trees, following the tracks from a distance with the moon light to help her see. She was gone until the late hours of the night, and the tracks never seemed to end… until she came upon the path leading to Felwood. She was far more cautious than before.

The air felt permeated with a certain filth and corruption that Saedra couldn’t shake off. The path took her a few hours until simply had to rest for the time being. She would wait until the next night, though her time of sleep was unpleasant, filled with paranoia and strange noises in the brush. Nothing here was safe. Still, the tracks continued to go forward, and Saedra only dreaded what the outcome might be. As morning came about, she travelled further into the forest, off-road and to a unique settlement, fenced by wooden posts. There was no one around, and cautiously Saedra entered the cave, being as discreet as possible.

The place was littered with burning candles and strange devices and contraptions that even Saedra did not recognize. The further she went, the more unsettled she became. Eventually she came to what appeared to be a prison, full of demons caged in small cells just barely big enough for them to stand in.

“What is this place…” Saedra said to herself. Many of the demons growled and hissed at her presence, “What is this foul place, Starripper? Is this where… it can’t be…” She spun around, overwhelmed by the demonic presence, “What have you done?”

Suddenly a Kaldorei startled Saedra. He was disheveled, mutated even. His back was hunched, and he made it a point to cover his faintly green eyes.

“Whooo are you?” The elf said, his voice coarse and disorted.

Saedra immeadiately turned around, pointing her glaive at him, “Captain Saedra Evermoon. Where is Huntress Starripper?”

The elf contorted, hiding his face as he mumbled things to himself before raising his voice, “C-Captain… Captain? One of… one of Starripper’s… No! She said there would be no one else! You are heathen! Unbeliever! INTRUDER! INTRUDER!” The elf continued to scream.

“To the nether with this place!” Saedra growled, “You’re all corrupted by its evil!”

“Capture her! Bestow upon her, the gift to fight!” The elf said. Other elves much like him began to enter the room.

“I need nothing but my strength to fight you!” Saedra assumed a defensive stance. These elves were not combat efficient, defending against them was no chore for Saedra, but their numbers became overwhelming. Soon they grabbed a hold of her, trying to pin her to the ground. Saedra tossed an elf over her shoulder, picking up her glaive she had dropped and swinging it around, slicing the neck of a female elf. The corrupted elves backed away at the murder. “Sister…” Saedra said, solemnly, “This wasn’t supposed to happen. None of this should have ever been!” The elves rushed Saedra again, and she continued to fend them off before taking a chance to escape and hide from them.

It wasn’t long before she tried to leave the intricate cave system before she spotted a peculiar elf. The sight was all too familiar. He was tall, lean, blind-folded and covered in markings. It took a small amount of time before Saedra realized it.

“You… you’re like…” Saedra sighed, “This explains it.” It was a demon hunter, no doubt. He was walking under her, as she held herself along the narrow hallway toward the ceiling. She let go of her grip, and sunk her glaive through his collarbone before leaping off and facing him. Injured as he was, he did not surrender. The two elves fought tirelessly, clashing blades together while Saedra had to make sure she avoided his magic. But the ambush from earlier had sealed the fight before it started. The demon hunter began to tire, and eventually fell to a knee. Saedra raised her glaive, ready to deliver the final blow. “What have you done to us?!”

A glaive came flying at Saedra, its metal blades singing in the air. With a quick moment to react, she deflected it, and fell to the ground. Saedra looked up and saw her, the Huntress.
Starripper retrieved her weapon, “You couldn’t just leave well enough alone…”

“Huntress…” Saedra said, regaining her stance, “This place is evil and you know it.”

Starripper shook her head, “No… this place is what is giving us the upper hand in Ashenvale. Our demon problem is under control. All because of this gift I have given our trainees. You have noticed it. They’re stronger, faster… better.”

Saedra disagreed, “By foul magic! Huntress we have fought so long to be rid of this in our lands and you have only spread it further!”

Starripper shouted, “Enough! I see there is no reasoning with you… thus you must be silenced.”

Saedra lowered herself, becoming more defensive, “You’re mad! Evil!”

“Come, Saedra… do not make this difficult.” Starripper twirled her glaive around.

“You can’t silence me!” Saedra backed away, “The whole world will know what you’ve done!”

“Oh?” Starripper smirked, “How so, when you can’t speak?”

Saedra tried to speak again, but only gibberish came from her mouth. Confused, she looks over to the demon hunter who had been finishing an incantation. In frustration, Saedra ran toward Starripper with her weapon drawn. The two elves clashed blades. While the Huntress, being the superior, had the upperhand, Saedra had been one of her more formidable captains. The fight lasted longer than Starripper had intended, even with the injuries she inflicted on Saedra. Eventually Saedra backed away, cut and bruised. She panted looking at Starripper with hateful eyes.

“You’ve trained well, Saedra… but that alone will not save you.” Starripper taunted.
Saedra ran at Starripper again, much like how she trained with Izshandriel. The Huntress was unable to predict some of Saedra’s movements. As Captain Evermoon made one final attack, Starripper went for the counter. Saedra left herself vulnerable, but was able to slash Starripper’s eye before being cut across the chest. Saedra fell, unable to move while Starripper hissed at the injury to her eye which she now realized was permanent. Many of the elves from earlier observed the battle, itching to attack Saedra while she was on the ground.

Starripper noticed this and growled at them, “She is mine! I will see to Captain Evermoon. A fate worse than death.”

--

Starripper had returned to the Sentinel camp days later, now fashioned with an eyepatch. Many of the elves spoke about the injury and her sudden disappearance, and if it was related to Saedra’s disappearance.

Izshandriel was the first to inquiry about this, “Huntress, have you seen Saedra?”

Starripper glared at Izzy, “Captain Evermoon has been imprisoned for treason against the Kaldorei people.”

Izshandriel gasped, “T-treason!? She would never!”

Starripped continued walking, “Most would agree with you… if you have questions. Take it up with the wardens. This is out of my hand.”

Izshandriel tightened a fist, “What did she do?”

Starripper stopped and looked back at Izzy, “I don’t rightly know. I was simply informed. While you’re here, since your captain is no longer present, I am reassigning you to Sarianorosi.”

“But Huntress!” Izshandriel begged.

Starripper continued on, “ That is all… Dreamstalker.”

--

Aliandril had been wandering the lands, hunting demons for information. She was located in the middle of a small encampment. Demonic bodies were strewn about, entrails covering the green forest floor. A satyr was in her grasps. Her clawed gauntlet piercing through his bloodied throat before he fell to the ground. Aliandril was soaked in blood from head to toe.

She wiped her face with the only remotely dry part of her clothes, though it did not clean much. “They’re tainted…” Aliandril said to herself, “The Legion doesn’t know how… this isn’t their doing.” She sighed and sat on the ground, soaking her clothes further in bloody puddles, “If this is true… there is only one logical explanation. But where…”
[Image: 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
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