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The journal is red, the papers stained crimson with dye, and the writing in bold, black script.

Velin Sunblaze

The Goblin has put me in contact with a man who appears to be a shadow priest, who else would walk cloaked in darkness like that, hmm? Who else would threaten to rip my mind into shreds and actually believe he could?

Giltrik will not tell me who the man was, and I find myself once again in the position of having to take another for his word. I do not like this.

My niece ended up meeting me, with her stone in tow, as she told me she would. What did she tell Cyaer? That she had said nothing? Perhaps. I will likely never know. Either way, she came, and I fulfilled my part of our bargain.

So naive, Kel'tira, if you thought an oath, even one in blood, would hold me back from what I wish to do?

I will take her, and use her to lure Nicias and Cyaer to me. I will take the two men and release Kel'tira, drawing Kel'tira and Karamia to me to free their lovers. I will let all but Karamia slip away, and use her to bargain with Cyaer for Kel'tira, banking on his love for Karamia being strong enough to do anything to free her.

White journal with a dragon flying through the fire, looks almost as if the front of the journal is on fire itself. Wyndd runs her hands aross the

So many new faces to the Fellowship, its hard to keep them all in line. I have missed my husband as we've seperated in the vast land we're in now. Hellfire was well HELL! I moved on quickly enough to Zangermarsh, dirty bugs everywhere! I make my daily stops in Shattrah to learn, train, and sell my goods I'm picking up along the way. It hurts to be so close yet so far from where I gave up my daughter. I only wish to see her beautiful face, which is why I did what I did. Not all will agree, not all will like what I've done. Speaking with Cyaer yesterday, i've shared with him my secret and asked him for help. God only knows what will happen next.

On another subject, Kel'tira, seems to still be plagued by one thing or another. When will THAT girl put this Fellowship first!

The once-white cover is now black, and wear and tear of has left its mark on the thick book. Pieces of paper and other small mementos peep out of the pages, and a piece of soap on a rope hangs from the binding as a bookmark. The entire tome smells of sea-salt and a soft, lilac perfume.

Kel'tira Sunblaze

Yesterday I spoke with Cyaer in regards to the meeting that I will not be attending today. I also made him swear to do his father no harm, and told him that if he swore, I would arrange for the two of them to talk. What I did not tell him, and should have told him, is that I had already arranged to meet with Velin for my own ends.

I spoke with Cyaer for a long while, I feel terrible about what I said... I hope he understands that I care deeply about him, and that I meant what I said, that I will not let harm befall Mia if I can help it. Cyaer, do not weep, please. It will all work out.

I spoke with Kreindis briefly, also, and a Troll woman, before leaving to meet Velin. He signed a blood-oath, although, in hindsight, an oath on his blood may mean almost nothing to him. Either way, I let him use my stone to speak to Cyaer, his death knight minion lurking. He threatened Cyaer, and then something hit the back of my head and I lost consciousness.

Waking up alone is one of the worst feelings. Waking up alone and not knowing who or where you are at first is even scarier. When I woke up this morning, I was disoriented and confused. It took me time to realize I was in Orgrimmar, on the cliffs above the city. Velin had left a note on my guildstone.

Kel'tira,
I know what you are thinking, it was cruel and unusual for me to treat my own blood as I did. Let me tell you. You are exactly right. It was cruel, and I take pride in that. A minor headache is the best of what will happen to you if you do not step down. I had Cyaer's mother killed. I had my own sister killed. Did your father ever tell you you had an aunt? I can do deeds you daren't imagine. Who do you think convinced Treyn to betray you like he did? Who do you think?
Love,
Uncle Velin.

The Fellowship and the House must know that I put them first, always. As I told Cyaer, it is what I swore to do. If Velin wants me, and if he will stop targeting people other than me, I will give myself up to him. Cyaer would do well in both roles.

My life is sacrifice for my people.

(( Sigh, better late then never for me to get my first one up... ))

A small black journal with the golden mark of Silvermoon on the cover sat on a table within the Paladin headquarters.

Kreindis Blazestride

Well.. I guess I should start on this then, if I didnt it would be five gold wasted...

So I've joined the Rising Sun Fellowship, and in all, nice people. But, its not all peaceful in their groups. The leader, Kel'tira, has an uncle, who has gone slightly... evil, may be the word. I'm pained to hear what he's done to my fellow guild members who have confronted him. Kel'tira has been one of the worst, and I was the only one nearest who could hear her, and I was more than happy to help. She had a nasty abdomen stab, and something on her head I couldnt see too well. I've only seen Velin once, I attempted my best to catch him, but he slipped through my fingers like water... Looking back on that moment, it was a stupid decision to try and catch him alone.

That moment wasnt just that. He didnt decide to just LEAVE his conversation with some shadowy figure. He was frightened, I guess, out. Blackmold, or Elron Narus, is a Undead who is in the Fellowship. Some shade, I have no idea where it is, or why it took control of him, took control of Blackmold. He frightened Velin, and charged me, along with Tislina, a mage, and Jahana, a Farstrider's scout, both in our Fellowship. The ensuing battle costed us nothing but a scar along my back. I'm happy Tislina had bandages and correct knowledge of using them. Blackmold is now in the Silvermoon City prison. And a last detail, about that battle. The detail that frightens me the most about this shades mind control. It was a flashback for Blackmold. He was no longer in Undercity. He was in Westfall, the day he slayed a horde of Defias, the ones that murdered his wife, and he saw us, Jahana, Tislina, and I... as those very same Defias. I shudder to imagine what torment he felt...

Last thing to write, I guess...

Velin is now an officially wanted man. He should be, for all he's done. For all he COULD do. I shudder to imagine what evil plots and lies are under that face.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How'd I do for my first one? I caught up a lil' late, but, atleast I made it!

Kreindis Blazestride

We have a new member in our ranks, a mage studying deeper into Arcane energies itself, named Pero'thas, and im just gonna say, er, write it. He's started off on my bad side. He said jokes aimed at me that if Kel'tira wasnt there, I would have gutted the man. The things he said were,

"Oh is this your puppy?"

"He's so adorable!"

"Oh look, he has fangs!"

I was one more insult from pulling my sword and just cutting the mans tongue.

Kel'tira has gone off looking for Velin. I understand her reasons, for going alone, to not lead anybody else to death or imprisonment. But, I will still help her. Somehow... I'm thinking to track one of Velin's allies, a death knight named Baelic. I will use him to lead me right to Velin, if I get the chance. Then I will use my guildstone to run the information of his location to Kel'tira, so she may do what she must. I hope she doesnt get herself (smudge) killed.

Im off for training. Another tiring session of training. I hope I can actually learn something new this time.

A small leather bound journal, the cover scratched and worn, some of the edging browned from dried blood. Some of the pages appear torn and muddy, some appear to be water stained. A small worn sheet of paper is folded and tucked within it's pages...

Was it the strain of all the combat I have had within the past few weeks that allowed me to lose my head? Or was it something else? The weeks of worrying about those I love and care for had finally come to a head. I feel as though I have failed Kel'tira, Karamia, and the whole Fellowship for that matter.

Then, to top it off, I exposed myself to danger twice by drinking too much...once just before I met my father (how stupid was that?) and once before talking with Kel'tira (she deserved better than that; am I so weak that I would do something like that to her?)

My actions have shamed me, and it feels as though I have shown what kind of Sin'dorei I really am. My mind was in turmoil, my heart and emotions a tumultuous storm, and I act like a snot nosed child. Is this how I'll react when I am with Karamia in Northend? How safe would she truly be?

And what of Kel'tira? I failed her miserably...to the point of causing her pain. I acted selfishly with my father, and she felt the whiplash of my arrogance, and then to walk out on her when she was talking to me. What is wrong with me? Is this who I have become?

I even contemplated killing myself...what fool thinks he can defeat a Fel Weaver by himself? Especially in the frame of mind I was in, I was flirting with disaster. I have disappointed everyone I love, and myself. Even now I still think of leaving the Fellowship...perhaps they would be better off without me. But that's only running away from the situation, and the problem...much like the drinking was.

(I took a long hard look at myself, and take a deep breath...this will be hard)

What is done is done. The past is in the past. I cannot change what has happened. I will need to build the Fellowship's trust in me again, and show them that I am not that man they saw the past few days. And I need talk to Kel'tira and Karamia, they hold the keys to my heart. One as a dear close friend, who knows me better than myself sometimes. The other that holds my future in her hands, and gives me a reason to go on.

I am Cyaer Nightwalker, of House Sunblaze, cousin of Kel'tira Sunblaze, Lady of House Sunblaze, and guildmaster of the Rising Sun Fellowship. And future husband of Karamia Dawnstrike, the most wonderful Sin'dorei woman I have ever met, and Paladin of the Light.

I am Cyaer Nightwalker, agent of the Horde, and a scout for the Sin'dorei. And a member of the Rising Sun Fellowship, a guild of people who hold specific ideals and goals special within themselves. (and my family)

I am more than a simple street thug, or thief. I am my own, and yet I am a part of a whole.

A small leather bound journal, the cover scratched and worn, some of the edging browned from dried blood. Some of the pages appear torn and muddy, some appear to be water stained. A small worn sheet of paper is folded and tucked within it's pages...

I have always thought of my father as a snake, a poisonous viper, but I was wrong. He's a spider, spinning his little webs, hiding in the shadows, and capturing and killing his victims. He draws his web closer, and he enjoys the fear he causes as he comes upon his victims. I hate him.

The history of what he has done is so horrific to me. Kel'tira has said he may have influenced the attack upon her from her fiance. He has mocked me with the murder of my mother. And he desires to be Lord of the Sunblaze House. I'ld laugh if it weren't so disgusting and evil of how he plots and plans.

He finds his own niece a simple obstacle to be removed to gain the House. I don't think he took into full consideration how strong Kel'tira truly is, or her sacrifice to save the Fellowship if necessary. I didn't understand it at first, but I see what she does. And while I don't like it, I admire her strength and commitment to the Fellowship, to her House, and those she loves.

He has pulled my strings, influenced my thinking, and driven me to do stupid things. I have let him control me...I don't like it. Perhaps I need to step back, and take a look at the bigger picture, as my sister/cousin has.

Kel'tira told me of her plans to go before the Council of Nobles. Two thoughts that went through my head were 1) it will take weeks for them to decide on a course of action (I remember what Lilli had told me briefly) and Kel'tira and myself may be dead by then...and he is victorious; and 2) it would mean nothing, as he has more of these nobles in his pocket, that it would only expidite his move to take over House Sunblaze...he is victorious again.

I "led" the guild meeting last night. We discussed Velin, and what had occurred the night before. Poor Blackmold...I can only hope our plan of curse removal, and having healers there when it is done will alleviate him of this curse or possession. I like him, for a Forsaken, he seems different, in a good way.

While we were talking with Blackmold in the prison area, Kellatira gave us the glorious news...Velin was found guilty by the Council of Nobles. Bless Kel for doing the right thing. His head is now forfeit for all his sins. I was still worried though for Kel and my own safety. She was so tired, and still in pain from the previous day's occurances. I let her walk home alone...did I do the right thing?

Karamia and I spent a few minutes together, a warm embrace, and her lips upon mine...and I had to go. A few minutes is never enough when it comes to my Mia. A lifetime doesn't seem long enough.

So we, the Fellowship will seek him out, and hopefully remove the threat he has posed to the Fellowship. I would have one thing tho...I would request that Aseria burn him til there was nothing left but ash. I do not want him to rise again like Viragona.

Let us be done with him forever. And let us go on with our lives...

Kreindis Blazestride

They're doing something horrible. I dont know what. I had my guildstone on, absently listening when I heard her cries of pain. Kel'tira has been captured by Velin and his minions, worst of all, my brother-turned-Death Knight is HELPING them! When I get my hands on him...

Tislina, Blackmold and I have a plan to gather a strong enough force to ambush Velin and his minions in the location where she is being held. I hope its going to work.

I dont have anything else to write about. Im done for now.

The worst has happened. Kel has been captured and is being tortured. She needs only to hold on a little longer though, for I, Kreindis, and Blackmold have devised a plan to rescue her.

We must be confident it will work. Kel needs us.

Kreindis Blazestride

We failed.

We tried to rescue Kel'tira, I swear my brother gone and almost killed her by throwing her off the cliff where we assaulted, and it only ended in defeat, wounds ( a small drop of blood ), and Karamia's capture. They have both been tortured... and I cannot stand listening to it anymore! (a small push-in on the paper as if something was slammed into it ) I'm ready to bash Velin's skull in personally for causing pain to me, my friends and my comrades. Velin tried to bargain Karamia for Cyaer. I dont know what he plans to do next, he does things you dont even think of.

A group of Fellowship members- Auxilia, Tislina, Blackmold, and I, are meeting at Sen'Jin village today. We're going to plan our next move. I hope this plan... well, works out better.
Auxilia couldnt find out what the necklace my brother sent me's origins or anything about it.
What did he mean...sending that and all?

I spent a few minutes at the inn at the Crossroads last night. I discussed a few things with Tislina and the rest of the group going to Sen'Jin today.

I'm going to get some more rest before I depart.

A small leather bound journal, the cover scratched and worn, some of the edging browned from dried blood. Some of the pages appear torn and muddy, some appear to be water stained. A small worn sheet of paper is folded and tucked within it's pages...

The weather in Silvermoon City is excellent this time of year, it is warm, but not hot, with small breezes to blow the dust around. I watched as two lovebirds built a nest in the tree above the fountain in the Royal Exchange park. It was calm and peaceful. I tried to smile, but only found tears.

Have I placed them in more danger? Will I ever see them alive again? I tear my heart and mind a part...second guessing myself. Should I have done this or that? I have failed them yet again. I have let the two most important women in my life down, and they may have to pay the cost.

Let me start anew...

I learned that Kel'tira had been kidnapped by my father Velin today. She wrote me a letter the same morning saying she may have a lead on his whereabouts...and not to follow. To lead the Fellowship if she was not heard from within a few days. And he took her. My fellow guild members told me of her screams over the commstone, and the torment they put her through. My soul was crushed.

The Fellowship had a line on where she might be found, so they gathered to free Kel'tira. My love, Karamia went too. They told me they had them outnumbered, they said there was only a few. I heard the whispered signal over the stone. Timed stood still for me...I couldn't stand it any longer, I asked them how the fight went. I heard a weary voice tell me they had lost...then my father began his vileness. He had Kel'tira, and now he had my Mia also. My heart was crushed.

He kept up his tirade of what he was going to do with them. The Fellowship kept telling me to shut down the stone, not to listen...but I kept listening. His evil held no bounds, and then he spoke the words that broke me...and my mind was crushed.

He wanted me to meet him in the Crossroads - alone. I agreed to his terms. I went to the only place I knew to be safe...I went home to the Hall. I could still hear her screams as he hurt her over and over again over the stone...and I went cold. I threw my stone across the room and watched it shatter into so many little pieces...so much like my life. It was being shattered before me by a man who had no decency, and was full of evil.

I have often thought that it took so long to go from Silvermoon City to Ogrimmar to the Barrens where this Crossroads was located. Today it seemed to be mere seconds, as my mind and thoughts came together into a single thought. No more.

No more would he direct me to play his game. No more would I listen to him. I would kill him there. I...we may lose Kel and Mia, but he will be dead. I will watch his head roll from his body, and his blood flow out onto the dirt and sand of the Barrens. No more.

I felt a calm come over me as I landed in the Crossroads. My mind was made up, there was no chaos, no emotional turmoil, there was only one thing I wanted...Velin dead.

I met him outside the walls of the city. He began telling me his lies again, but I didn't hear him. I told him I was there to kill him. "You're not like me, we are of two different cloths." I thought to myself that you can only take a man so far, and then he must do what he must do. So I asked him what would happen if I killed him here and now. I asked him again, and found my blades in my hands without thinking.

I give him credit he didn't flinch then. Til I began to draw the blades back to slay him where he stood. He managed to dodge my attacks, and as I went for him again he called for a strange mount. And he ran.

1 of 2

A small leather bound journal, the cover scratched and worn, some of the edging browned from dried blood. Some of the pages appear torn and muddy, some appear to be water stained. A small worn sheet of paper is folded and tucked within it's pages...

2 of 2

I missed him. All my skills and talents failed me (them) and I missed him. He fled like the coward he is. And I have probably condemned Kel'tira and Karamia to death. He said one word as he crept off into the Barrens, "Darkshore".

I returned home. I heard words of encouragement from members of the guild, and that they were with me in finding Velin. Kel and Mia would be so proud, the guild was coming together for a common goal - to save them if possible. I found myself sobbing on the couch. Then a reassuring hand touched me on the shoulder. Jahana.

She had a idea that may lead us to the spider. And we have decided that we will not be using the commstones so as to tip off Velin to our plans, if he should be listening.

My thoughts turn to Kel'tira, what would she think of my gambit? Have I disppointed her, or have I lived up to her courage and resolve in this matter? I think back on the many discussions we have had, on benches, on floors, in chairs, and even on a bed. I not only love Kel, I like her...she's good people, and she doesn't deserve this. I hear her screams and I clench my fists and grit my teeth. I will avenge this pain wrought on you Kel, I will...I promise.

I'm trying to rest...but sleep evades me. I hear my wife (in my heart she will always be my wife to me) and her screams. Her painful torture is my own painful torture, and I would rather have it be me there, than her. But fate has dictated it differently.

And I also remember her cries into the stone as I held my blades to his throat, "Kill him Cyaer, kill him". I am not worthy of a woman like that...and yet she loves me. And encourages me even in her own dire situation. I love her so...please Light give me another chance to show her...to tell her...how much she means to me...please...one more chance...

Velin caresses a guildstone much as a lover might caress his wife, he smiles grimly and taps it once, twice, the red rising sun blinking into darkness as he sits and writes...

Velin Sunblaze

Kel'tira Sunblaze is mine! My plans have been set into motion at last, my niece reclines in her bonds in Desolace, soon to be moved, to the Bashal'Aran Collapse. Keyadrion and Baelic have done well. Kel'thul... Kel'thul shall not be trusted. If he turned on Kel'tira so easily, what assurance do I have that he will not show me the same courtesy? I have yet to receive a guarantee, and I do not expect one.

Either way... I have the women I need. I threatened, and cajoled, all for the sake of seeing Cyaer's face as I taunted him. The upstart whelp had the nerve to try and kill me! His own father!

I am evil. I like that about me. I threatened the Fellowship with taking Kel'tira and Karamia to do as I please with, or finding a man who wanted them. The reactions, the blame, it is wonderful.

The begin to blame themselves, and slowly, slowly, my plans fall into place.

(1/2)

The Fellowship surprises me in regards to the swiftness with which they possess when confronting the challenges that arise with their members. Not even a week has passed since I was confronted by the shadow, which has revealed itself to be that snake in Elven skin, Kel'Thul, and already my allies have banded together to lift whatever fog of doubt he left my mind to wander in. I still have deep regrets regarding the events that occurred at the end of the week; I believe that I should have been stronger and held more command over my own body, but, alas, the magic that devious coward possessed was far greater than my own strength! I shamed myself by allowing Kel'Thul to force my hand against my own allies, against those I swore to protect!

It was an odd sensation: I felt as if I were in control of my actions, yet, it also seems as if I were watching myself like some spirit floating above its own mortal shell. What was most perturbing was the manner with which Kel'Thul managed to manipulate me - I still have trouble deciphering whether or not the images I saw that night were true or false, but I do know that those events were real nonetheless; he placed me back in Westfall at a time when the hills were still green, and the plains had not fallen into decay...he returned me back to when the Defias were just forming and had a deep vendetta against any who wore the colors of Stormwind. Those memories, as well as the emotion they carried with them, seemed lost to me upon awakening as one of the damned, but that serpent Kel'Thul forced his way into my mind and returned what was once lost. Whether it was for good or ill, I cannot say, but now that I do remember, I find myself...pushed. I failed to protect the wife who I loved so much in life, and I thought that death would finally be my time to rest, but that turned out to be a sham as well. Perhaps I have been brought back to be tested once more, to fulfill my duties of safeguarding those I have promised to keep safe...

Oh, but if this were true, then the Fellowship would not be where it now resides! Kel'Tira's uncle Velin, also known to be Cyaer's father, has kidnapped the commander of the Fellowship! I do not know how such a dark turn-of-events came about, for it was only two days past when she and the others confronted me in my cell at Silvermoon City - how could her scheming uncle have obtained her in such a short length of time? The man must have been plotting this for some time now, for things seem to now be in his favor, with little that the Fellowship can do to resist his maniacal greed. Fortunately, we still have one thing in favor for us; the warrant that Kel'Tira managed to obtain on her kin allows us the opportunity to kill him, something I intend to do the first chance I get... And if Kel'Thul chooses to align himself with such vermin, then he too shall be exterminated when it comes time for the culling.

Rodents that work together, should die together.

Regrettably, the Fellowship did have an opportunity to end things yesterday, but we were more concerned with the safety of our Commander. Velin and his death knight dogs used Lady Kel'Tira's own guild stone to taunt us, forcing the Fellowship to listen to her screams as they tortured her. We were driven into a frenzy of wrath, and, with Auxilia's guidance, for she spied on the location the torture took place - a mountain chain bordering Mulgore and Desolace - the Fellowship moved to attack their position. Our goal was to retrieve our leader, alas, the death knights proved superior, at least thanks to the location they fought us at. Many of their attacks were aimed at making us lose our footing, and, unfortunately, I was among the victims of this assault. Yet, before I was tackled and thrown down the ravine to lie on the outskirts of a Satyr village, I saw a most disheartening sight; our own Karamia was being savagely beaten by one of Velin's mutts!

Cyaer wasn't pleased to hear of this, and he reacted just as Tislina and I guessed he would after he heard the news. Unfortunately, we were not the ones to tell him as we had hoped - it was Velin. The mongrel used Kel'Tira's stone to taunt our comrade, demanding that his son - only by blood - come to the Crossroads to meet with him. However, the fool announced this over the guild network, and so, Auxilia, Tislina, and myself all ventured to the Crossroads after reaching a safe-haven in Desolace, where Kreindis joined with us shortly afterward at the inn. Alas, though we hid ourselves well and appeared as nothing more than mercenaries of the Horde, Cyaer and Velin stood in a location impossible for us to eavesdrop, and even Auxilia could not draw close enough to hear their whispers. With Karamia and Lady Kel'Tira in Velin's grasp, things do not bode well for the Fellowship.

Tislina has gone to Orgrimmar to try and search for answers regarding the events that have transpired. Kreindis and I have promised to meet with her the following day, where we will hopefully have more information on our friends' whereabouts, and be able to begin planning a rescue attempt. All we can do as of now is hope.

Kel'tira Sunblaze

Kel sat in the darkness of the Bashal'Aran Collapse, Karamia bound in the shadows with her, Velin settled, her guildstone in hand, on a stone, a lantern burning. Somewhere, she knew, her uncle's minions paced, watching for her friends. Kel's lips moved silently, praying or speaking to herself. Inaudible words fell from her mouth like the tears that ran down her face. She was beaten, battered, and weary. Her fire dimmed and nearly doused.

The darkness of the Collapse pressed against the paladin, and she murmured a curse, Velin looked up at her, leering, “Oh, Kel'tira, I am glad you are awake. We can sit and talk, now, no?”

“Bastard.”

“Oh,” came the reply, pleasure showing in the man's voice, “Well, if you do not wish to talk, I am sure we can arrange something else...”

As the man trailed off provocatively and smiled greedily, Kel pushed herself as far back into the shadows in the corner as she could, praying desperately for intervention. To no avail, Velin's reaching fingers caressed her cheek, and he kissed her mouth viciously, offering her no respite.

With one hand tangled in her hair, he pulled her up, the slack in the rope pulled taut as she came to her knees, his mouth over her own. Kel tensed, and Velin stepped back, breathing heavily and watching her closely, “You know, you could save yourself all this trouble.”

Kel shook her head, cursing vehemently and spitting on her uncle's foot. Twitching his robes about him, the man knelt in front of her, reaching to stroke her cheek and then pulling back, cursing, as her teeth caught in his thumb.

Rewarded with his blood in her mouth, Kel spat at him again, “I should have killed you when I had the chance! I should have seen this coming! I should have known! I should ha-”

“Shut up, girl,” Velin interrupted her tirade with a boot in her ribs, causing the woman to curl up, retching and gasping for air. Glaring down at his niece, Velin drew a knife from the belt of his robes, cold malice written across his face as he roughly gripped her by the shoulder, fingers leaving bruises in her flesh, “Kel'tira Sunblaze,” he snarled, “What a disgrace to my House. What a disgrace to your friends. Your husband. Where is Nicias now, Kel'tira? He said he would always be with you.”

Pondering for a moment, Velin added, “And Cyaer? He blames you for this, you know. He blames you for letting Karamia be captured. He wants you dead. He told me so.”

“No!”

“Yes, dear niece.”

Kel screamed, and Velin plunged his knife into her flesh, twisting the blade cruelly.

She descended into herself, her mind playing through events again and again, her thoughts twisting around in her head. Dimly, she was aware of the pain she felt. Dimly, she could hear her uncle ridiculing her, taunting her, as he brought her pain, healing her occasionally only to return with his knife.

He kissed her again, hungrily, greedily, and she could do nothing to rouse herself against his touch, so instead she spiraled deeper into her mind.

What have I done? What have I done? I promised Cyaer I would let no harm come to Mia, and instead, I had to watch her be tortured as I was, as I am... Maybe it is for the best if we both died? Maybe it is for the best if we left Velin with no bargaining chips, and Cyaer and the others could kill him, Cyaer could lead both the Fellowship and our House.

What have I done?

This is all my fault. If I had been stronger...

If I had been able to keep them away...

If I had not been so stupid as to go after him alone...

What have I done?

This is all my fault...

All my fault...

My fault...

Is this how I repay my people, for all they have done?

I do not deserve to live.

I have been here before, sitting alone in my head, thinking I would be better off dead. I have been tired before, tried before, thinking of the pain I've come for. I cannot understand why things hurt so much, beyond the pain of his torturous touch. Fear and hatred burn in my heart, and I fear he plays quite well his evil, evil part.

Kel screamed, her mind snapping back to the painful present that involved a knife in the side of her abdomen and a pair of lips that most certainly did not belong to her husband over her own. As she screamed, Velin pulled back, either satisfied or simply annoyed, “Breathe, niece of mine. We will continue this little discussion later, I have other, albeit less enjoyable, matters to attend to.”

The woman with the brown hair sat on a patch of grass overlooking a high cliff. A plain brown leather journal rest in her lap and her gaze was contemplative as she gazed out over the landscape below. A river could be seen in the distance, lazily winding its way through the barren landscape.

She liked high places and despite her profession, she liked wide open spaces. Places where she could gaze at the rough beauty around her, feel the tug of the wind against her clothing, in her hair and against her face and skin. Places where she felt like her soul was free from the darkness and chaos of the world.

Places like this.

She was not wearing her normal attire when she was writing—a plain skirt and shirt—but instead was wearing the black leather armor that helped conceal her in the shadows and darkness. The mask that would normally cover her face lay in the grass beside her but the weapons of her trade rested comfortably at her hips.

Her demeanor was not that of her infiltrator persona, for the moment she was just the woman. The one who would feel the pain of what happened to her friends, the anguish of what they had endured, and the sense of helpless loss at the inability to prevent any of it.

***

(New entry in a plain brown leather journal)

More than once, I have been helpless to prevent things from happening. I have arrived in the nick of time to release prisoners from their cages, stop rituals, or prevent executions. I have also failed.

One memory that will haunt me for the rest of my life is that I chose to follow a lead that would take me to where the warlock held Aranthil. I choose the lead over another assignment, thinking that I would have enough time to lay eyes on the missing paladin and arrive to prevent the executions.

I was wrong.

Seven people paid the price of my choice. The blood of the first six already spilled over the rocks as I arrived to see the axe take the life from the seventh. I was too late. The family that pleaded for me to for help took the news of my failure well. In all honestly, they were not expecting a favorable outcome for the father and daughter that had been taken with the others. They came to me as a last resort—a chance meeting as I crossed their field—and I failed them because of a choice.

I should have known better, been able to prioritize more, but… my judgment wasn’t sound. A hard lesson was learned that night and it is one that I have taken with me. It is a choice that I have had to make again and again and now I know that I must save the ones that I can find before I try to track down those whose whereabouts are just rumors.

Another memory will now join the first to darken my dreams: that of Kel’Tira being tortured. After a while, I had to turn away. I am very sorry that I could not get you out of there, but I had to make a choice between what I knew was going to be a futile fight and getting word of your whereabouts back to the guild.

Whatever is happening here is mired deep in politics and darkness. Her persecutor is willing to do whatever it will take to wrest power away. I may be naïve when it comes to politics, but darkness I know well.

Darkness and shadows are not always evil; that is a misconception held by many. They do shroud those of us who willing walk within them from view. Sometimes, that is a good thing. Other times… well, not so much.

Several of the guild members put on their tabards after the event. I felt a little guilty that I did not… I do not own one. It advertises my affiliation with them, something that could be to their detriment. I do not want it to be used against me; case in point, what happened today. Not that I consider this the fault of Kel’Tira or anyone else—she was simply unlucky enough to have a power-hungry relative who will not stop at any means necessary to see to his succession.

There is some familiarity to that idea, but I did not retain the memory as to why.

(This is unsigned.)

Kreindis Blazestride

We divised a plan to find Velin. The goblin Giltrik was...helpful, somewhat. I brang in an orc called Bogash, Jahana, and Cyaer to interrogate him while Tislina stalled him. I came back with them to hear the goblin telling Tislina, "Oi! Off with the robe!" I responded to that by giving him a single-hit bloody nose. He honestly deserved it. Now, we know where Velin is, thanks to some... light torture. He hides in Darkshore, at the Bashal'Aran Collapse.

Blackmold is doing scouting of the canals in Darkshore, seeing if there is any hidden ways to it.
What I'm doing now is waiting for everybody to be ready while I take some time to train. I hope we can free Karamia and Kel'tira soon... Hearing their cries of pain is driving me insane..

I'm going to train now.

A small leather bound journal, the cover scratched and worn, some of the edging browned from dried blood. Some of the pages appear torn and muddy, some appear to be water stained. A small worn sheet of paper is folded and tucked within it's pages...

It is dark, the late night blankets the city. The torches flicker softly, as a gentle breeze moves though its streets. The city guard stopped only for a moment, but a haunted look from the elf that stood by the dummies had him move on, shaking his head.

Four...I have broken and destroyed four of them. I move to a fresh one. My muscles ache, and the sweat pours off me, as I pull my weapons once again. I grip them tightly, as I begin anew.

I hear them over and over again in my mind. Screams of agony and pain from the throats of my dear friend, and my lover...I cannot shut them out...nor do I want to. My blades chop and slice at the fighting manikin, bits of woodchips fly as I attack it again and again. I did this to them, I allowed them to be captured...it's my fault, all my fault....

My body finally rebels after the fifth one falls to the ground, and I slump down beside it. The weapons slide from my hands as the tears begin to fall. I cannot hold them back any longer...I weep for them, over and over again.

I must have looked a sight to those first recruits that arrived to the practice field this morning. I barely noticed them as I walked away. I remember one saying something about five of them were destroyed...their only dummies, lass..."boards don't hit back".

Somehow I managed to drag myself to the Wayfarers' Rest, and fall onto the bed. My dreams were filled with screams.

I awoke, and found a covered plate, and a glass of milk by my bed. She treats me like a son, I smile as I removed the napkin covering the plate...Mmm, still warm. The food revives and revitalizes me, and I pull off my armor and wipe the sweat off me. My thoughts go over the past few days, then I take a moment to peruse this old journal.

It isn't my fault, I have my share of responsiblity in what has happened, but it isn't my fault. Nor is it either of their's fault. I place the blame fully on one selfish, evil man...Velin. And he wants me to believe it's my fault. It is not. He has tried to convince me, and all of us of the Fellowship of our guilt in his evil scheme. No more.

I am surrounded by people of differing skills, talents, and experiences. From the sassy, bright elf mage Tislina, to the experienced and professional Auxilia. From the Forsaken warrior Blackmold, to that new recruit to the Fellowship, the orcish shaman, Bogash. And they all care about Kel'tira and Karamia, one of their own.

I am lucky to have them beside me, and I cherish each one of them. There is one other, Jahana, she helps to remind me of where I came from and where I am today. She reminds me of myself just a few short years ago.

We will rescue them, and we will defeat those that have caused our people so much pain. Velin will pay dearly for what he has caused here. And we will heal, and move on. But we will not forget, and we will be stronger from doing this together.

"I....I....What has happened....."

A black haired woman slumpped against the wall of her hut in Orgimmar, it was Aseria, tired, fatigued, angry.

"There was nothing you can do, My little puppet, and now she is captured, along with this..Karamia girl as well...."

A cloaked Sin'dorei child sat on a stack of boxes inside the hut, watching Aseria's heavy panting and sweaty face. Aseria looked up at the child "I need to free her, I promised I'd--". The girl raised her hand "Protect her, yes, I heard the sob story. I decided to do the hard work for you and see what information your little friends managed to dig up, trurns out this fool hides in Darkshore...such a lovely place it was, before Deathwing came and the bunch of moronic Twillights came to town..."

The mage crawled over to the desk where her Journal sat, her whole body seem to pulse, blurring her vision every time. It was almost like her body was about to explode. She managed to climb into her chair and open her journal to a fresh page. The child who sat upon the boxes dispersed into a cloud of shadow, floating and snaking it's way behind Aseria, where the girl solidified and wrapped her arms around the mages shoulders and whispering "Can you feel it?....The insanity pumping through your veins.....this will be your weapon when you go to look for her. You will ignore pain, ignore fear, there will be no other emotion....but the desire to destroy and kill....it is this you shall unleash upon your enemies, and I will be you key to salvation..."

The mage, though hearing the childs words, began to write...

A red journal, bound by a golden rope. There is a name printed in gold on the front....Aseria Sunblade

I am angry, scared, frustrated, and so I have been told...going insane. Every day my insanity grows, so does my desire to destroy those I hate. The good thing about this at least is that I have some sort of tool I can use against this scum that has kidnapped Kel and Mia, the bad thing about it is...I feel that there will be some point in time where the Insanity grows so great, it wont be just enemies I will want to kill...but friends as well.

This worries me.

But I can not worry about it now, it will simply distract me from the true task that is a head, and I can not give up now.

The fool is playing with a dangerous fire. And surely enough, he will be burned. And while he screams in agony, I will watch, with a huge insane grin spread across my face like a mask of pure bliss and insanity.

Nothing much to this....I want to see what this Witch has to offer for me.