elarion
09-09-2005, 11:29 PM
El’arion Telperion.
It was his name, a name once chosen to be a source of hope. His parents had named him “as the sun among stars” for they hoped his light would one day shine out in the world, a testament to all they taught him. His brother had certainly done that, lived a life embodying the virtues of discipline and holiness they had both been taught.
But he had another name, more appropriate to the path his life had taken. He was the Slayer.
~~~~~
El’arion sat alone at the banks of Lake Elune’ara. The quiet of Moonglade appealed to him, but more often he came here to catch pieces of conversation between the druids of the Cenarion Circle. He was not a druid, and would never be one, but that did not mean he could not learn from their wisdom. Once long ago he had put his faith in the wisdom of others, and had paid for it. Now he sought the truth for himself.
The calm sounds of the water brushing upon the shore were soon disturbed by footsteps approaching from behind. El’arion turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of his new visitor, before turning back to face the lake. “Elune bless you friend,” he said softly, letting his words carry to the person behind him.
“Greetings Slayer Telperion. I am Sildael, a herald of the Temple of the Moon,” said the elf as he quietly moved to sit beside El’arion. The waves in the lake gently lapped at the shore for a few quiet moments.
El’arion turned slightly, and nodded. “To what do I owe the honor of your company friend? It has been long since I have visited the temple. How do affairs go there?”
“We have often seen your brother, but have missed the pleasure of your company for some time,” said Sildael, as he peered searchingly at El’arion’s detached visage.
“My brother has more patience than I.” El’arion turned to look him directly in the eyes, “I prefer the silence here to the whispers and looks that accompany my visits to Darnassus. It is no secret that we are not fully trusted.”
“And yet there are some that trust you more than you know friend. And that is why I am here today.” El’arion’s eyebrows rose as he turned to contemplate the moonlight on the lake once again. Sildael continued, “I am here to deliver a message from the High Priestess. She requests your presence at the Temple of the Moon, and expects that you arrive there with due discretion. She trusts that you will know what that means.”
Sildael rose quickly, and bowed before backing away, leaving El’arion to contemplate his message.
~~~~~
He stalked the shadows of the temple, moving silently, his eyes on the dais that Tyrande Whisperwind occupied. She was there, talking with a few priestesses. El’arion waited until she turned to dismiss them, and then slipped out of the temple, and into the gardens.
El’arion only had to wait a few moments before Tyrande entered with Priestess Alathea at her side. As they neared the center of the garden, he stepped out of the shadows at the far end and approached them. As he closed in distance, he kneeled before them.
“Arise El’arion, I have but a few moments and we do not have time for formalities,” she said as she smiled in her captivating way.
He rose, but the tightness in his chest kept him from replying. It was a debt that could not be repaid that brought him here, and the same that he lost his faculty of speech to at the moment.
“I will be brief, as we do not have much time. As you well know these are turbulent times, everything is in flux. We have separated from the Horde, and joined with the humans, gnomes, and dwarves. In doing so, a new conflict has arisen. More and more our eyes are drawn away from watching for the Legion to guarding our borders, and diplomacy with our allies.” Tyrande paused for a moment, attempting to gauge his reaction, and then continued, “But there are those within both the Alliance and Horde that seek to exploit this turmoil, in search of greater power. We have been vigilant for thousands of years now, and I will not…” Her voice trailed off for a moment as she noticed the pained expression on El’arion’s face.
“Forgive me Priestess, I did not mean to interrupt. Please continue,” said El’arion softly, his eyes firmly fixed on the ground at his feet.
“I am sorry, of all people I should not have been the one to remind you.”
“No need for apologies, it is to you that we owe everything,” said El’arion, as he looked up and attempted to smile.
Tyrande stepped closer, and he kneeled one again. Her hands shimmered briefly as she placed them on his head. “Take this blessing of Elune, and think of your sorrow no more. I have a message for you to deliver. After that, the choice will be yours. Elune will guide your path, even through the darkness, as she always has.”
She turned and smiled again as she left. El’arion remained there, kneeling, for some time.
~~~~~
The hippogryff sped along the coast of Kalimdor, yet faster still sped the thoughts in El’arion’s mind. He carried a variety of gear with him in his dragonhide backpack, and yet none of it weighed more heavily on him than the two scrolls and large sealed envelope stored therein. What message could necessitate such a messenger? Why would the high priestess have bothered to meet him directly, and not sent a subordinate? Despite his recent sacrifices, despite the blood he had given them, he was yet viewed with suspicion in Darnassus. The Temple, however, had given him a chance anew, and he would not shirk any duty passed to him.
“I will accept any duty they give me, but not blindly,” he whispered. His words were lost in the wind.
~~~~~
Feathermoon was enshrouded in mist and darkness when El’arion’s hippogryff finally reached its destination. As he landed, a handler appeared patting the large mount gently after its long journey. El’arion slid off the large beast soundlessly, and barely nodded before fading into the mists.
General Shandris Feathermoon.
That was all the indication he had been given on where to go, and to whom his message might be addressed. Finding the General alone, and reaching her undetected were the thoughts foremost in his mind as he stalked the shadows of the outpost. Luckily the outpost was far from the crowds of the Eastern Kingdoms, and even the wilds of Feralas were mostly trafficked through Theramore these days.
The general’s pavilion however, was well guarded, as it should have been. Still, he thought as he observed from afar, there is always an opening. He was as water, if there was an opening, eventually he would flow there. Watching the guards move, he smirked slightly. It was a new moon, their senses were dulled. His were sharpened.
The shadows danced slightly as he passed, but there was no sound. The guards noticed nothing more than the play of the light of their torches with the shadows of the night. The General, however, was different.
Shandris Feathermoon entered her chambers casually, placing her twin Sentinel blades in their holders in front of the small altar she kept. She bowed before her altar in prayer a moment, before standing and speaking in a clear voice to the shadows behind her, “Reveal yourself Slayer.”
El’arion stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to the light of the candles glowing on her altar. “My apologies, but discretion was what I was advised of.”
“You are late,” Shandris stated, in a matter of fact manner.
“My apologies it was difficult to find a hippogryff to make this journey on a new moon night, with heavy fog covering the length of the coast.” El’arion moved closer towards the altar, yet only his face and scabbards seemed to be illuminated by the light.
“You have something for me I am told.” Shandris did not turn as she spoke, merely extending an open hand to her right side. A large envelope was shortly deposited there. She did not speak as she deftly opened the envelope and regarded its contents. “You have the scrolls as well?”
“I was told the two scrolls were for later.”
Shandris chuckled slightly as she turned towards him. “Yes, I suppose that is appropriate. They are for later, depending on whether or not you accept.”
“Accept?” El’arion visibly registered no surprise. Another mission for the Temple then. Perhaps slightly more important, but a mission regardless.
“It seems you have been trusted greatly Slayer. You have been selected to serve like no other by Elune.” Wordlessly she passed one of the folded sheets of parchment she had extracted from the envelope.
El’arion took the paper from her, and scanned it twice before the words registered. “A secret commission… by the Lady Whisperwinde herself?” His eyes grew wider has Shandris passed him three more documents, each affixed with a seal.
“The seal of the High Priestess, the throne of Ironforge, and of the SI:7 spymaster. You have been trusted with quite a bit.”
“It seems so.”
“I know you are strong enough Slayer, but will you do this?”
“It seems so.”
Shandris fixed him with a firm, insightful glare. “Such equivocation and ambiguous answers will not do. You either accept fully, or not at all.”
“I accept fully, with open eyes.” El’arion stared back at her stoically, his eyes and mouth set.
“Then hand me your signet ring, I must verify that you are a scion of Telperion, and will bind yourself to this task.”
El’arion reached to his neck pulling at the silver chain there. He slid the chain up, revealing the ring at the base of the chain’s curvature. He unhooked the chain and slid the ring off. “This ring has left my hands only twice in my life.” He held the ring close, as if unwilling to release it.
“I require it now.” Shandris made no move to relent, and instead extended her hand. After a moment, he silently relinquished the ring to her.
Shandris took the ring, and carefully held it over a candle on the altar. After a moment the seal on the top shone bright, a silver tree, with a silver moon behind. Nodding acceptance, she handed the ring back to him.
“Go then Slayer, and do the work Elune requires of you. Do not flaunt or rely on those seals and your commission. Gather your army of blades, and strike where I cannot. The way is prepared for you in Theramore by my agents. After that you will be alone. Show them where our mistress dwells in the New Moon.” Shandris turned and saluted him, acknowledging his own return salute, and grinned slightly. “Now leave my chambers, I have no wish to be another of your amorous exploits.”
El’arion smirked, “Well then I shall return when you do wish, General Feathermoon.” He stepped back into the shadows, and was gone.
~~~~~
He sat alone, silent in the basement, as feet shuffled overhead. It had been three days since his first meeting with old friends. Unfortunately, it had not been a casual chat for memories’ sake. It had been a call to arms. Ultimately, he needed an army for what he was asked to do. But it was a different kind of army he needed, not one that marched under a standard.
An army of shadows.
El’arion looked up as the telltale sounds of entrance caught his attention. It was the SI:7 man. He was good at avoiding detection, but not quite the standard El’arion was used to. “You have news?” El’arion spoke to the shadows beyond the small desk he sat at.
“Lord Telperion, the invitations have been made. You will be addressing them in the Tower we have secured tonight.”
“I see, and you have informed Dyerseve and Miss Feycard as well?”
“Miss Feycard responded that she would be late. The one known as Dyerseve… he… also acknowledged my message.”
“I see. If you need me further tonight, I shall be at the tower location.” El’arion rose from his seat. The basement was useful to him as an office, but despite assurances he did not trust the other resident of the Keep. Kelith Verdan, perhaps time for you will come after this commission has been secured, he mused.
~~~~~
El’arion stood at top of the south guard tower, looking out over the harbor as the last rays of the sun quenched themselves on the ocean, far away. Behind him stood two he should perhaps think of as ghosts. They were here to support him. There were many that regarded him with fear, mistrust, even hate. Remarkably, however, today he was to rely in the trust he hoped others would place in him. Perhaps the Lady had seen this as she chose him. More likely he had been chosen because he was an unlikely vessel, expert in the task, and able to avoid the vision of those who wished to break the alliance from the inside.
But nothing could be accomplished alone. He would need help. As he glanced below, to the entrance of the tower. They came in a few at a time. Battle hardened veterans all, a deadly crowd. One he was sure to feel at home with.
“I will be down in a moment, once everyone has assembled.” Dyerseve and Elshael nodded and proceeded down the stairwell. After a few moments contemplating the dusk, and then the night sky, El’arion descended as well.
The crowd was restless as he descended. Some greeted each other warmly as friends, while others found a corner to occupy, regarding everyone with suspicion. El’arion looked around the room from the stairs, meeting eyes, acknowledging greetings.
As the crowd quieted down, he began to speak. “Friends I welcome you all here today. Many of you I have fought and shed blood with. Others have been recommended highly. We are all gathered here for one purpose. A purpose that I am about to make clear.”
“I have been assigned a special commission, by the High Priestess of Elune, Tyrande Whisperwinde. As you all know, corruption is rising in this land. Not just that which threatens from the north, and is met by our armies. Hidden cults of Old Gods spring up, and followers of the Legion hide in the dark places of our lands. Cults like the Twillight’s Hammer, the Burning Blade, they lie in wait for the right time to spring.
“And yet our leaders are either unable, or in some cases unwilling to do anything about it. Both the horde and alliance hold snakes to their breast, and yet fix their gazes outward. This commission is intended to create a force that strikes these snakes before their poison can spread to the rest of Azeroth.
“Let the corrupt tremble, for they will not be safe anywhere. From the streets of Orgrimmar to the forests of the plaguelands, there will be no escape from justice.”
He was silent a moment, allowing the words to sink in, and bracing for their questions. There would be doubts, he knew, and he had to handle them well. Murmurs filled the hall, but one voice from the back rose above the rest. “So you mean to move for open war against the horde? Take care, for not all of us regard them as our enemies.”
The words triggered an avalanche of discussion, and argument. Some shouted the crimes of the horde, about inevitable war, while others asked for peace and unity against a common foe. El’arion stood patiently a moment, as they quarreled loudly amongst themselves before raising a hand. His friend Artorius took notice and bellowed out to the crowd, “Yer all goin’ ta ‘ear tha elf out ‘fore yer makin’ any choices!”
Most took heed and quieted, while a few simply took their arguments to angry forced whispers. He lowered his and, and nodded gravely at the Kaldorei who spoke from the back. “You raise an important question. Firstly, the purpose of such a group is to avoid open war. Alliance soldiers cannot be dispatched to Horde land without risking such a thing. Sometimes it is deemed worth the risk, but others…
“Too often does the dispute between the alliance and horde come in the way of the battle against corruption. We will be circumventing this. Our enemy is not the horde, but merely corruption. The corruption that hides there, but cannot be touched by others. In truth, should we succeed we will be as much a boon to them as to ourselves.
“But make no mistake if they resist us, we will defend ourselves. And we will not be blocked from our goal.”
Another voice rang out, “So you will kill innocents along your path to destroying corruption?”
Before El’arion could respond, his brother Adantigus spoke, “If the mere thought of taking an innocent life prevents you from acting against evil, the door is there.” His stark words resonated in the chamber a moment.
El’arion nodded to him, before adding, “We have intelligence, means of observing our targets, and will act to minimize our impact on those who are innocent civilians. Nothing is can ever be certain, but we will attempt to prevent needless loss of life. After all, it is life we wish to preserve in the end.
“Know that in joining me in this purpose you will be committing yourself to a goal from which there cannot be deviation, and whose accomplishment tolerates no hesitation. We must be firm and resolute.
“We will not be part of the Alliance army, we will bear no standard save our own. We will strike quickly and when necessary vanish, as ghosts. The shadows, where corruption hides, will be our domain. There will be no safe place, no hidden alcove where our reach does not extend.
“This time it will be evil that runs in fear, evil that squirms as prey.” He paused a moment, before continuing, “I bow humbly before you, asking that you lend me your swords, your strength for this task, for it cannot be done alone.”
Hearing these words, Saral Feycard stepped away from the wall behind him, and stood with him. Dyerseve nodded his assent from the doorway. Artorius surged up out of the crowd, “Jus’ tell me who ta kill!” Another form, silent and deadly stepped forward, “I, Medrith, am with you in this.” His brother nodded and wordlessly took his side, with another elf, tall and grim. “Idyllenstorm,” El’arion said as he nodded his thanks to his comrade of a hundred battles. Another voice floated in from near the doorway. “You will need righteous allies that fight for just causes as well as dark ones in the shadows. I am of the latter, and will kill with you,” said Aleksia.
More and more among them stepped forward to pledge their support for his purpose. Battle hardened veterans all, he knew. This night would be a success. Still, a few of the more hesitant ones stood away from the rest, not ready to commit.
He spoke once again, after they had stepped forward, “For those of you who bind yourselves to this task know one thing. If we are captured, the alliance will not barter for our release. If we are killed, no body will be sent home for burial. And no one can know of this pact we make. Absolute secrecy is required. Trust no one with what you learn here. Even those of you who choose to accept. I will trust your discretion on this matter. And if I find I cannot trust you…” He left the threat unspoken, for a vision approached through the doorway. Two green eyes, and his heart leapt, but he quieted it. There was yet a bit more work to be done.
“Two final things. This commission has been given to me, and I bear the responsibility of it. I will be the one who deals with the world, and who bring this together. However, I cannot always assume all responsibilities. At critical junctures in battle, we need a leader who can view the battlefield with a clear mind and make the appropriate decision. I know of only one who I would trust to lead this group. One with a proven record of success. And that one is Dyerseve.” El’arion pointed across the room to Dyerseve, who had slid to the back as the people had pressed forward.
Dyerseve nodded and said, “I am merely a servant of my Master, I will do what is required of me.”
“Intelligence and information will also be key factors in this fight. I can think of no one better than Saral Feycard, in informing us of our enemies. Step forward as our spymaster please Saral.”
Saral grinned and stepped into the center of the room, “It is after all what I do. But aren’t you forgetting something El’arion?”
El’arion looked to her, somewhat perplexed by her question.
“We need a name. A name to shout in battle, that strikes fear in the hearts of our enemies. And I think you have earned the right to give us that name.”
El’arion nodded to her, and spoke in a commanding tone, “The name we shall be known by, the name corruption shall come to fear is this, Rini lo Al’shar, the Army of Shadows.”
And they all shouted as one, “Rini lo Al’shar!”
There was cheering, and later discussion of their first strike, but all El’arion could think was that his first step was taken. He would soon stake his life, and the lives of many others in the battle for Azeroth. He prayed that Elune would guide him on the correct path. And if not, at least it was no longer to be walked alone.
~~~~~
((
Rini lo Al’shar is an RP-PvP group on this server, Earthen Ring. We aim to enrich open, outdoor PvP gameplay with RP objectives, and purposes. Additionally we aim to encourage RP surrounding this PvP. While in the battle, we will not be using raid or party chat for RP purposes, but we will always be in character in /say. The main purpose is to enrich our battles with meaning.
Rini lo Al’shar is not a guild, but a group of people with common goals. ICly, El’arion is the leader, Dyerseve the battleleader, and Saral the spymaster (or spymistress really). OOCly we’re just a group of friends without any real formality. Even ICly these distinctions are only made to further a purpose, not to create a hierarchy. Everyone in the group is free to involve themselves at whatever level they feel comfortable.
Thus far we’ve had a few events, and raids. Please do not be shy about approaching any of us, ICly or OOCly. I myself am always open for RP unless I am already commited to a raid.
I’m very excited about the directions that this RP can take, and have ambitions for interesting RP-PvP events in the future. However, we’re just starting up the RP side of this, so bear with us.
))
It was his name, a name once chosen to be a source of hope. His parents had named him “as the sun among stars” for they hoped his light would one day shine out in the world, a testament to all they taught him. His brother had certainly done that, lived a life embodying the virtues of discipline and holiness they had both been taught.
But he had another name, more appropriate to the path his life had taken. He was the Slayer.
~~~~~
El’arion sat alone at the banks of Lake Elune’ara. The quiet of Moonglade appealed to him, but more often he came here to catch pieces of conversation between the druids of the Cenarion Circle. He was not a druid, and would never be one, but that did not mean he could not learn from their wisdom. Once long ago he had put his faith in the wisdom of others, and had paid for it. Now he sought the truth for himself.
The calm sounds of the water brushing upon the shore were soon disturbed by footsteps approaching from behind. El’arion turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of his new visitor, before turning back to face the lake. “Elune bless you friend,” he said softly, letting his words carry to the person behind him.
“Greetings Slayer Telperion. I am Sildael, a herald of the Temple of the Moon,” said the elf as he quietly moved to sit beside El’arion. The waves in the lake gently lapped at the shore for a few quiet moments.
El’arion turned slightly, and nodded. “To what do I owe the honor of your company friend? It has been long since I have visited the temple. How do affairs go there?”
“We have often seen your brother, but have missed the pleasure of your company for some time,” said Sildael, as he peered searchingly at El’arion’s detached visage.
“My brother has more patience than I.” El’arion turned to look him directly in the eyes, “I prefer the silence here to the whispers and looks that accompany my visits to Darnassus. It is no secret that we are not fully trusted.”
“And yet there are some that trust you more than you know friend. And that is why I am here today.” El’arion’s eyebrows rose as he turned to contemplate the moonlight on the lake once again. Sildael continued, “I am here to deliver a message from the High Priestess. She requests your presence at the Temple of the Moon, and expects that you arrive there with due discretion. She trusts that you will know what that means.”
Sildael rose quickly, and bowed before backing away, leaving El’arion to contemplate his message.
~~~~~
He stalked the shadows of the temple, moving silently, his eyes on the dais that Tyrande Whisperwind occupied. She was there, talking with a few priestesses. El’arion waited until she turned to dismiss them, and then slipped out of the temple, and into the gardens.
El’arion only had to wait a few moments before Tyrande entered with Priestess Alathea at her side. As they neared the center of the garden, he stepped out of the shadows at the far end and approached them. As he closed in distance, he kneeled before them.
“Arise El’arion, I have but a few moments and we do not have time for formalities,” she said as she smiled in her captivating way.
He rose, but the tightness in his chest kept him from replying. It was a debt that could not be repaid that brought him here, and the same that he lost his faculty of speech to at the moment.
“I will be brief, as we do not have much time. As you well know these are turbulent times, everything is in flux. We have separated from the Horde, and joined with the humans, gnomes, and dwarves. In doing so, a new conflict has arisen. More and more our eyes are drawn away from watching for the Legion to guarding our borders, and diplomacy with our allies.” Tyrande paused for a moment, attempting to gauge his reaction, and then continued, “But there are those within both the Alliance and Horde that seek to exploit this turmoil, in search of greater power. We have been vigilant for thousands of years now, and I will not…” Her voice trailed off for a moment as she noticed the pained expression on El’arion’s face.
“Forgive me Priestess, I did not mean to interrupt. Please continue,” said El’arion softly, his eyes firmly fixed on the ground at his feet.
“I am sorry, of all people I should not have been the one to remind you.”
“No need for apologies, it is to you that we owe everything,” said El’arion, as he looked up and attempted to smile.
Tyrande stepped closer, and he kneeled one again. Her hands shimmered briefly as she placed them on his head. “Take this blessing of Elune, and think of your sorrow no more. I have a message for you to deliver. After that, the choice will be yours. Elune will guide your path, even through the darkness, as she always has.”
She turned and smiled again as she left. El’arion remained there, kneeling, for some time.
~~~~~
The hippogryff sped along the coast of Kalimdor, yet faster still sped the thoughts in El’arion’s mind. He carried a variety of gear with him in his dragonhide backpack, and yet none of it weighed more heavily on him than the two scrolls and large sealed envelope stored therein. What message could necessitate such a messenger? Why would the high priestess have bothered to meet him directly, and not sent a subordinate? Despite his recent sacrifices, despite the blood he had given them, he was yet viewed with suspicion in Darnassus. The Temple, however, had given him a chance anew, and he would not shirk any duty passed to him.
“I will accept any duty they give me, but not blindly,” he whispered. His words were lost in the wind.
~~~~~
Feathermoon was enshrouded in mist and darkness when El’arion’s hippogryff finally reached its destination. As he landed, a handler appeared patting the large mount gently after its long journey. El’arion slid off the large beast soundlessly, and barely nodded before fading into the mists.
General Shandris Feathermoon.
That was all the indication he had been given on where to go, and to whom his message might be addressed. Finding the General alone, and reaching her undetected were the thoughts foremost in his mind as he stalked the shadows of the outpost. Luckily the outpost was far from the crowds of the Eastern Kingdoms, and even the wilds of Feralas were mostly trafficked through Theramore these days.
The general’s pavilion however, was well guarded, as it should have been. Still, he thought as he observed from afar, there is always an opening. He was as water, if there was an opening, eventually he would flow there. Watching the guards move, he smirked slightly. It was a new moon, their senses were dulled. His were sharpened.
The shadows danced slightly as he passed, but there was no sound. The guards noticed nothing more than the play of the light of their torches with the shadows of the night. The General, however, was different.
Shandris Feathermoon entered her chambers casually, placing her twin Sentinel blades in their holders in front of the small altar she kept. She bowed before her altar in prayer a moment, before standing and speaking in a clear voice to the shadows behind her, “Reveal yourself Slayer.”
El’arion stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to the light of the candles glowing on her altar. “My apologies, but discretion was what I was advised of.”
“You are late,” Shandris stated, in a matter of fact manner.
“My apologies it was difficult to find a hippogryff to make this journey on a new moon night, with heavy fog covering the length of the coast.” El’arion moved closer towards the altar, yet only his face and scabbards seemed to be illuminated by the light.
“You have something for me I am told.” Shandris did not turn as she spoke, merely extending an open hand to her right side. A large envelope was shortly deposited there. She did not speak as she deftly opened the envelope and regarded its contents. “You have the scrolls as well?”
“I was told the two scrolls were for later.”
Shandris chuckled slightly as she turned towards him. “Yes, I suppose that is appropriate. They are for later, depending on whether or not you accept.”
“Accept?” El’arion visibly registered no surprise. Another mission for the Temple then. Perhaps slightly more important, but a mission regardless.
“It seems you have been trusted greatly Slayer. You have been selected to serve like no other by Elune.” Wordlessly she passed one of the folded sheets of parchment she had extracted from the envelope.
El’arion took the paper from her, and scanned it twice before the words registered. “A secret commission… by the Lady Whisperwinde herself?” His eyes grew wider has Shandris passed him three more documents, each affixed with a seal.
“The seal of the High Priestess, the throne of Ironforge, and of the SI:7 spymaster. You have been trusted with quite a bit.”
“It seems so.”
“I know you are strong enough Slayer, but will you do this?”
“It seems so.”
Shandris fixed him with a firm, insightful glare. “Such equivocation and ambiguous answers will not do. You either accept fully, or not at all.”
“I accept fully, with open eyes.” El’arion stared back at her stoically, his eyes and mouth set.
“Then hand me your signet ring, I must verify that you are a scion of Telperion, and will bind yourself to this task.”
El’arion reached to his neck pulling at the silver chain there. He slid the chain up, revealing the ring at the base of the chain’s curvature. He unhooked the chain and slid the ring off. “This ring has left my hands only twice in my life.” He held the ring close, as if unwilling to release it.
“I require it now.” Shandris made no move to relent, and instead extended her hand. After a moment, he silently relinquished the ring to her.
Shandris took the ring, and carefully held it over a candle on the altar. After a moment the seal on the top shone bright, a silver tree, with a silver moon behind. Nodding acceptance, she handed the ring back to him.
“Go then Slayer, and do the work Elune requires of you. Do not flaunt or rely on those seals and your commission. Gather your army of blades, and strike where I cannot. The way is prepared for you in Theramore by my agents. After that you will be alone. Show them where our mistress dwells in the New Moon.” Shandris turned and saluted him, acknowledging his own return salute, and grinned slightly. “Now leave my chambers, I have no wish to be another of your amorous exploits.”
El’arion smirked, “Well then I shall return when you do wish, General Feathermoon.” He stepped back into the shadows, and was gone.
~~~~~
He sat alone, silent in the basement, as feet shuffled overhead. It had been three days since his first meeting with old friends. Unfortunately, it had not been a casual chat for memories’ sake. It had been a call to arms. Ultimately, he needed an army for what he was asked to do. But it was a different kind of army he needed, not one that marched under a standard.
An army of shadows.
El’arion looked up as the telltale sounds of entrance caught his attention. It was the SI:7 man. He was good at avoiding detection, but not quite the standard El’arion was used to. “You have news?” El’arion spoke to the shadows beyond the small desk he sat at.
“Lord Telperion, the invitations have been made. You will be addressing them in the Tower we have secured tonight.”
“I see, and you have informed Dyerseve and Miss Feycard as well?”
“Miss Feycard responded that she would be late. The one known as Dyerseve… he… also acknowledged my message.”
“I see. If you need me further tonight, I shall be at the tower location.” El’arion rose from his seat. The basement was useful to him as an office, but despite assurances he did not trust the other resident of the Keep. Kelith Verdan, perhaps time for you will come after this commission has been secured, he mused.
~~~~~
El’arion stood at top of the south guard tower, looking out over the harbor as the last rays of the sun quenched themselves on the ocean, far away. Behind him stood two he should perhaps think of as ghosts. They were here to support him. There were many that regarded him with fear, mistrust, even hate. Remarkably, however, today he was to rely in the trust he hoped others would place in him. Perhaps the Lady had seen this as she chose him. More likely he had been chosen because he was an unlikely vessel, expert in the task, and able to avoid the vision of those who wished to break the alliance from the inside.
But nothing could be accomplished alone. He would need help. As he glanced below, to the entrance of the tower. They came in a few at a time. Battle hardened veterans all, a deadly crowd. One he was sure to feel at home with.
“I will be down in a moment, once everyone has assembled.” Dyerseve and Elshael nodded and proceeded down the stairwell. After a few moments contemplating the dusk, and then the night sky, El’arion descended as well.
The crowd was restless as he descended. Some greeted each other warmly as friends, while others found a corner to occupy, regarding everyone with suspicion. El’arion looked around the room from the stairs, meeting eyes, acknowledging greetings.
As the crowd quieted down, he began to speak. “Friends I welcome you all here today. Many of you I have fought and shed blood with. Others have been recommended highly. We are all gathered here for one purpose. A purpose that I am about to make clear.”
“I have been assigned a special commission, by the High Priestess of Elune, Tyrande Whisperwinde. As you all know, corruption is rising in this land. Not just that which threatens from the north, and is met by our armies. Hidden cults of Old Gods spring up, and followers of the Legion hide in the dark places of our lands. Cults like the Twillight’s Hammer, the Burning Blade, they lie in wait for the right time to spring.
“And yet our leaders are either unable, or in some cases unwilling to do anything about it. Both the horde and alliance hold snakes to their breast, and yet fix their gazes outward. This commission is intended to create a force that strikes these snakes before their poison can spread to the rest of Azeroth.
“Let the corrupt tremble, for they will not be safe anywhere. From the streets of Orgrimmar to the forests of the plaguelands, there will be no escape from justice.”
He was silent a moment, allowing the words to sink in, and bracing for their questions. There would be doubts, he knew, and he had to handle them well. Murmurs filled the hall, but one voice from the back rose above the rest. “So you mean to move for open war against the horde? Take care, for not all of us regard them as our enemies.”
The words triggered an avalanche of discussion, and argument. Some shouted the crimes of the horde, about inevitable war, while others asked for peace and unity against a common foe. El’arion stood patiently a moment, as they quarreled loudly amongst themselves before raising a hand. His friend Artorius took notice and bellowed out to the crowd, “Yer all goin’ ta ‘ear tha elf out ‘fore yer makin’ any choices!”
Most took heed and quieted, while a few simply took their arguments to angry forced whispers. He lowered his and, and nodded gravely at the Kaldorei who spoke from the back. “You raise an important question. Firstly, the purpose of such a group is to avoid open war. Alliance soldiers cannot be dispatched to Horde land without risking such a thing. Sometimes it is deemed worth the risk, but others…
“Too often does the dispute between the alliance and horde come in the way of the battle against corruption. We will be circumventing this. Our enemy is not the horde, but merely corruption. The corruption that hides there, but cannot be touched by others. In truth, should we succeed we will be as much a boon to them as to ourselves.
“But make no mistake if they resist us, we will defend ourselves. And we will not be blocked from our goal.”
Another voice rang out, “So you will kill innocents along your path to destroying corruption?”
Before El’arion could respond, his brother Adantigus spoke, “If the mere thought of taking an innocent life prevents you from acting against evil, the door is there.” His stark words resonated in the chamber a moment.
El’arion nodded to him, before adding, “We have intelligence, means of observing our targets, and will act to minimize our impact on those who are innocent civilians. Nothing is can ever be certain, but we will attempt to prevent needless loss of life. After all, it is life we wish to preserve in the end.
“Know that in joining me in this purpose you will be committing yourself to a goal from which there cannot be deviation, and whose accomplishment tolerates no hesitation. We must be firm and resolute.
“We will not be part of the Alliance army, we will bear no standard save our own. We will strike quickly and when necessary vanish, as ghosts. The shadows, where corruption hides, will be our domain. There will be no safe place, no hidden alcove where our reach does not extend.
“This time it will be evil that runs in fear, evil that squirms as prey.” He paused a moment, before continuing, “I bow humbly before you, asking that you lend me your swords, your strength for this task, for it cannot be done alone.”
Hearing these words, Saral Feycard stepped away from the wall behind him, and stood with him. Dyerseve nodded his assent from the doorway. Artorius surged up out of the crowd, “Jus’ tell me who ta kill!” Another form, silent and deadly stepped forward, “I, Medrith, am with you in this.” His brother nodded and wordlessly took his side, with another elf, tall and grim. “Idyllenstorm,” El’arion said as he nodded his thanks to his comrade of a hundred battles. Another voice floated in from near the doorway. “You will need righteous allies that fight for just causes as well as dark ones in the shadows. I am of the latter, and will kill with you,” said Aleksia.
More and more among them stepped forward to pledge their support for his purpose. Battle hardened veterans all, he knew. This night would be a success. Still, a few of the more hesitant ones stood away from the rest, not ready to commit.
He spoke once again, after they had stepped forward, “For those of you who bind yourselves to this task know one thing. If we are captured, the alliance will not barter for our release. If we are killed, no body will be sent home for burial. And no one can know of this pact we make. Absolute secrecy is required. Trust no one with what you learn here. Even those of you who choose to accept. I will trust your discretion on this matter. And if I find I cannot trust you…” He left the threat unspoken, for a vision approached through the doorway. Two green eyes, and his heart leapt, but he quieted it. There was yet a bit more work to be done.
“Two final things. This commission has been given to me, and I bear the responsibility of it. I will be the one who deals with the world, and who bring this together. However, I cannot always assume all responsibilities. At critical junctures in battle, we need a leader who can view the battlefield with a clear mind and make the appropriate decision. I know of only one who I would trust to lead this group. One with a proven record of success. And that one is Dyerseve.” El’arion pointed across the room to Dyerseve, who had slid to the back as the people had pressed forward.
Dyerseve nodded and said, “I am merely a servant of my Master, I will do what is required of me.”
“Intelligence and information will also be key factors in this fight. I can think of no one better than Saral Feycard, in informing us of our enemies. Step forward as our spymaster please Saral.”
Saral grinned and stepped into the center of the room, “It is after all what I do. But aren’t you forgetting something El’arion?”
El’arion looked to her, somewhat perplexed by her question.
“We need a name. A name to shout in battle, that strikes fear in the hearts of our enemies. And I think you have earned the right to give us that name.”
El’arion nodded to her, and spoke in a commanding tone, “The name we shall be known by, the name corruption shall come to fear is this, Rini lo Al’shar, the Army of Shadows.”
And they all shouted as one, “Rini lo Al’shar!”
There was cheering, and later discussion of their first strike, but all El’arion could think was that his first step was taken. He would soon stake his life, and the lives of many others in the battle for Azeroth. He prayed that Elune would guide him on the correct path. And if not, at least it was no longer to be walked alone.
~~~~~
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Rini lo Al’shar is an RP-PvP group on this server, Earthen Ring. We aim to enrich open, outdoor PvP gameplay with RP objectives, and purposes. Additionally we aim to encourage RP surrounding this PvP. While in the battle, we will not be using raid or party chat for RP purposes, but we will always be in character in /say. The main purpose is to enrich our battles with meaning.
Rini lo Al’shar is not a guild, but a group of people with common goals. ICly, El’arion is the leader, Dyerseve the battleleader, and Saral the spymaster (or spymistress really). OOCly we’re just a group of friends without any real formality. Even ICly these distinctions are only made to further a purpose, not to create a hierarchy. Everyone in the group is free to involve themselves at whatever level they feel comfortable.
Thus far we’ve had a few events, and raids. Please do not be shy about approaching any of us, ICly or OOCly. I myself am always open for RP unless I am already commited to a raid.
I’m very excited about the directions that this RP can take, and have ambitions for interesting RP-PvP events in the future. However, we’re just starting up the RP side of this, so bear with us.
))